FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 


REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED    BY    HIM    TO 


THE    LIBRARY   OF 


PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


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THE 


i 

PSALMS 


O    F 


DAVID, 


In     METRE: 


Allowed  bt  the  Authority  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland,  and  appointed  to  bk 
sung  in  Congregations  and  Families. 


WITH     AN 

ANALYSIS, 

©r  brief  View  of  the  Contents  of  each  Pfalm,  taken  from  the 
Expedition  of  Mr.  MATTHEW  HENRY,  Author  of 
the  Commentary  on  the  Bible. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
Printed  and  Sold  by  R.  AITKEN,  Market-Striet, 


M.DCC.LXXX1II. 


THE 

PSALMS   of    DAVID. 

P  S  A  L  M    I. 

This  is  a  pfalm  of  inftrucYon  concerning  good  and  evil,  fetting 
before  us  iife  and  death,  the  bicfiing  and  the  curie,  that  we 
may  take  the  right  way  which  leads  to  happinefs,  and  avoid 
that  which  will  certainly  end  in  our  mifery  and  ruin.  Th« 
different  character  and  condition  of  godly  people  and  wicked 
people;  thofe  that  ferve  God,  and  thofe  that  ferve  him  not, 
is  here  plainly  ftated  in  a  few  words;  fo  that  every  man,  if 
he  will  be  faithful  to  himfelf,  may  here  fee  his  own  face, 
and  then  read  his  own  deem.  That  divinon  of  the  children 
of  men  into  faints  and  finners,  righteous  and  unrighteous, 
the  children  of  God,  and  the  children  of  the  wicked  one; 
as  it  is  ancient,  ever  fince  the  ftruggle  began  between  fin 
and  grace,  the  feed  of  the  woman,  and  the  iced  of  the  ier- 
pent;  fo  it  is  lafting,  and  will  furvive  all  ether  diviilons  and 
fub-diviiions  of  men  into  high  and  low,  rich  and  poor,  bond 
and  free;  for  by  this,  mens  everlafting  (late  will  be  deter- 
mined, and  the  diftinction  will  iaft  as  long  as  heaven  and 
hell.  This  pfalm  {hews  us,  (i.)  The  holinefs  and  happi- 
nefsof  a  godly  man,  verf.  i.  i.  3.  (2)  The  finfulnefs  and 
mifery  of  a  wicked  man,  verf  4.  5.  (5.)  The  ground  and 
rtafon  of  both,  verf  6.  Whoever  collected  the  pfalms  of 
David,  (probably  it  was  Ezra,)  with  good  reaibn  put  this 
pfalm  firif,  as  a  preface  to  the  reft,  becaufe  it  is  abfolutcly 
neceffary  to  the  acceptance  of  our  devotions,  that  we  be 
righteous  before  God;  for  it  is  only  the  prayer  of  the  up- 
right that  is  his  delight,  and  therefore  that  we  be  right  in 
our  notions  of  bleilednefs,  and  in  our  choice  of  the  way 
that  leads  to  it.  Thofe  are  not  fit  to  put  up  good  prayers, 
that  do  not  walk  in  good  ways. 

THAT  man  hath  perfect  bleflednefs, 
who  walketh  not  aftray 
In  counfel  of  ungodly  men, 

nor  Hands  in  iinners  way, 
Nor  fitteth  in  the  (corner's  chair : 
2  But  placeth  his  delight 

A  2  Upon 


4  P  S  A  L  M    I. 

Upon  God's  law,  and  meditates 
on  his  law  day  and  night. 

3  He  fhall  be  like  a  tree  that  grows 

near  planted  by  a  river, 
Which  in  his  feafon  yields  his  fruit, 

and  his  leaf  fadeth  never : 
And  all  he  doth  fhall  profper  well. 

4  The  wicked  are  not  fo  : 

But  like  they  are  unto  the  chaff 
which  wind  drives  to  and  fro* 

5  In  judgment  therefore  fhall  not  ftand 

fuch  as  ungodly  are; 
Nor  in  th'  affembly  of  the  juft 
fhall  wicked  men  appear. 

6  For  why  ?  the  way  of  godly  men 

unto  the  Lord  is  known: 
Whereas  the  way  of  wicked  men 
fhall  quite  be  overthrown. 

.PSALM    II. 

As  the  foregoing  pfalm  was  moral,  and  (hewed  us  our  duty; 
ib  tli is  is  evangelical,  and  (hews  us  our  Saviour.     Under  the 
type  of  David's  kingdom,  which,  thouuh  of  divine  appoint- 
ment, met  wich  much  opposition,  but  prevailed  at  hilt,  the 
iotn  of  the  MclHah  the  Son  of  David  is*  prophefitd  oi, 
which  is  the  primary  intention  and  fcopeof  the  pfalm;  and 
I  think  there  is!  vis  in  it  of  the  type,   ami  more  of  the  tnti- 
.   ihan  in  any  oi  the  gofpel-pialrns,  for  '.here  is  nothing 
in  it  but  what  is  applicable  to  Chrift  ;  but  fome  things  that 
are  not  at  aJiapplicable  to  David,  verf.  6.  7.  k  'Thcv 
'  Son;'  verf.  8.  •  I  will  give  thee  the  uttermoA  puts  of  the 
«   earth;'  and  ver£  12.  '   Kits  the  Son,'  it  is  interpreted  of 
ill,  A&siv.  25  — xiii.  33.   Heb.  i.  5.     1 

I.)  The  up«  to 

the 


PSALM    II.  i 

the  kingdom  of  the  MefHah,  verf.  I.  2.  3.    (2.)  The  I 
and  chaftifing  of  that  oppofition,  verf.  4.  5. 
ting  up  of  the   kingdom  of  Chriir,  n   : 
oppofition,  verf.  6.     (4.)  The  confirmation  and  efl 
men  t  of  it,  '.)  A  promise  of  the  enlr.r 

and  fuccefs  of  it,  verf.  8.  9.     (6.)   A  c.  station 

to  kings  a::d  princes  to  yield  themfelves;  the  will:: 
jecb  of  this  kingdom,  vuf.  10.  11.  12.  Or  thus,  W 
here,  (i.J  Threat  cunced  aeainlt  the  adverfaries 

of  Chilli's  kingdom,  verf  I. — 6.      (2.)   Promifes  made  to 
Chrift    himfelf  the    head    of   tfafs    fcinfcdom,    vc:f    7. — 9. 
Counlel   given  to  all   to   ejpoufe  the  int 

verf.  10.  11.  12.     This  pfalm,  mer,   is 

very  fitly  prefixed  to  this  book  of  devotions,  L: 
ncceflarv  to   our  acceptance  with   God,  that   <.ve  [houid  be 
fu'oject  to -the  precepts  of  his  law.  f~>  it  is  iikewiie,   that  v. e 
fhould  be  fubjedl   to   the  grace  pf  his  goipel,  and  come  to 
hirn  in  the  name  of  a  Mediator. 

WHY  rage  the  heathen?  and  vain  things 
why  do  the  people  mind? 

2  Kings  of  the  earth  do  fet  themfelves, 

and  princes  are  combined 
To  plot  againft  the  Lord,  and  his 
Anointed,  faying  thus, 

3  Let  us  afunder  break  their  bands, 

and  caft  their  cords  from  us. 

4  He  that  in  heaven  fits,  fhall  laugh, 

the  Lord  fhall  fcorn  them  all. 

5  Then  fhall  he  fpeak  to  them  in  wrath, 

in  rage  he  vex  them  fhall. 

6  Yet,  notwithstanding,  I  have  him 

to  be  my  King  appointed : 
And  over  Sion  my  holy  hill 
I  have  him  King  anointed, 

7  The 


6  P  S  A  L  M    II. 

7  The  fure  decree  I  will  declare : 

the  Lord  hath  faid  to  me, 
Thou  art  mine  only  Son,  this  day 
I  have  begotten  thee. 

8  Afk  of  me,  and  for  heritage 

the  heathen  I'll  make  thine, 
And  for  poffeffion  I  to  thee 
will  give  earth's  utmoft  line. 

9  Thou  fhalt,  as  with  a  weighty  rod 

of  iron,  break  them  all ; 
And,  as  a  potter's  fherd,  thou  fhalt 
them  dafh  in  pieces  fmall. 
io  Now  therefore,  kings,  be  wife;  be 
ye  judges  of  the  earth.       (taught, 

1 1  Serve  God  in  fear,  and  fee  that  ye 

join  trembling  with  your  mirth, 

1 2  Kifs  ye  the  Son,  left  in  his  ire 

ye  perifh  from  the  way, 
If  once  his  wrath  begin  to  burn: 
blefs'd  all  that  on  him  ftay. 

PSALM    III. 

As  the  foregoing  pfalm,  in  the  type  of  David  in  preferment, 
fhewed  us  the  royal  dignity  of  the  Redeemer;  fo  this,  by 
the  example  of  David  in  diftrefs,  fheus  us  the  peace  and  holy 
fecurity  of  the  redeemed;  how  fafe  they  really  are,  and 
think  themfeives  to  he,  under  the  divine  protection.  David 
being  now  driven  out  from  his  palace,  from  the  royal  city, 
from  the  holy  city,  by  his  rebellions  ion  Abfalcm,  (i.) 
Complains  to  God  of  his  enemies,  verf.  i.  %.  (z.)  Confides 
in  God,  and  encouragcth  himfelf  in  him  as  his  God  not- 
wih (landing,  verf.  3.  (3.)  Recollects  the  fatisfac'tion  he 
had  in  the  gracious  anfwers  God  rave  to  his  prayers,  and 

his 


P  S  A  L  If    III. 

Ms  experience  of  1 

over  his  fears, 
lie  prays  ar 
takes  to  hirr: 
falvaiicn,   v 

Hefs  of  Gou. 

Lord,  how  are  my  foes  increas'd  ? 
againil  me  many  rife. 

2  Many  fay  of  my  foul,  For  him 

in  God  no  fuccour  lies. 

3  Yet  thou  my  fhield  and  gkfry  art, 

th'  uplifter  of  mine  head. 

4  I  cry'd,  and  from  his  holy  hill 

the  Lord  me  anfwer  made. 

5  I  laid  me  down  and  fiept,  I  wa~ 

for  God  fuftamed  me. 

6  I  will  not  fear  though  thoufands  ten 

fet  round  againft  me  be. 

7  Arife,  O  Lord ;   fave  me,  my  God : 

for  thou  my  foes  hail  ftroke 
All  en  the  cheek-bone,  and  the  teeth 
of  wicked  men  haft  broke. 

8  Salvation  doth  appertain 

unto  the  Lord  alone : 
Thy  bleihng,  Lord,  for  evermore 
thy  people  is  upon. 

F  S  A  L     I 


8  PSALM    IV. 

David  was  a  preacher,  a  royal  preacher,  as  well  as  Solomon  : 
many  of  his  pfalms  are  doctrinal  and  practical,  as  well  as 
devotional;  the  greateft  part  of  this  pfalm  is  fo,  in  which 
Wifdom  cries  to  men,  to  the  Tons  of  men,  fas  Prov.  viii.  4. 
5.)  to  receive  inftruelion.  The  title  doch  not  tell  us,  as 
that  of  the  former  did,  that  it  was  penned  on  any  particular 
occafion,  nor  are  we  to  think  that  all  the  pfalms  were  occa- 
fional,  though  fome  were;  but  that  many  of  them  were 
defigned  in  general  for  the  inftruction  of  the  people  of  God, 
that  attended  in  the  courts  of  his  houfe,  the  a  Aiding  of  their 
devotions,  and  the  directing  of  their  converfations;  fwch  a 
one  I  take  this  pfalm  to  be.  Let  us  not  make  the  prophecy 
of  fcripture  to  be  of  more  private  interpretation  than  needs 
mud,  2  Pet.  i.  20.  Here,  (1.)  David  begins  with  a  fhort 
prayer,  verf.  I.  and  that  prayer  preacheth.  (2.)  He  directs 
his  fpeech  to  the  children  of  men;  and,  I.  In  God's  name 
reproves  them  for  the  difhonour  they  do  to  God,  and  the 
damage  they  do  to  their  own  fouls,  verf.  2.  2.  He  fets 
before  them  the  happinefs  of  godly  people  for  their  encou- 
ragement to  be  religious,  verf.  3.  3.  He  calls  upon  them 
to  confider  their  ways,  verf.  4.  4.  He  exhorts  them  to  ferve 
God,  and  truft  in  him,  verf.  5.  (3.)  He  gives  an  account 
of  his  own  experiences  of  the  grace  of  God  working  in  him, 
J.  Enabling  him  to  choofe  God's  favour  for  his  felicity, 
verf.  6.  2.  Filling  his  heart  with  joy  therein,  verf.  7. 
3.  Quieting  his  fpirit  in  the  aflurance  of  the  divine  pro- 
tection he  was  under  night  and  day,  verf.  8. 

To  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

GIVE  ear  unto  me  when  I  call, 
God  of  my  righteoufnefs : 
Have  mercy,  hear  my  pray'r,  thou  haft 
enlarged  me  in  diftrefs. 

2  O  ye  the  fons  of  men,  how  long 

will  ye  love  vanities? 
How  long  my  glory  turn  to  fhame, 
and  will  ye  follow  lies? 

3  But  know,  that  for  himfelf  the  Lord 

the  godly  man  doth  choofe : 

The 


P  S  A  L  M    IV.  9 

The  Lord,  when  I  on  him  do  call, 
to  hear  will  not  refufe. 

4  Fear  and  fin  not,  talk  with  your  heart 

on  bed,  and  filent  be. 

5  Offerings  prefent  of  righteoufnefs ; 

and  in  the  Lord  truft  ye. 

6  O  who  will  fhew^  us  any  good  ? 

is  that  which  many  fay : 
But  of  thy  countenance  the  light, 
Lord,  lift  on  us  alway. 
j  Upon  my  heart  beftow'd  by  thee 
more  gladnefs  I  have  found, 
Than  they,  ev'n  then,  when  corn  and 
did  mod  with  them  abound,     (wine 
8  I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace, 
and  quiet  fleep  will  take: 
Eecaufe  thou  only  me  to  dwell 
in  fafety,  Lord,  doft  make. 

P  S  A  L  M    V. 

This  pfalm  is  a  prayer,  a  folemn  addrefs  to  God.  at  a  ^tj 
when  thepfaJmiit.  was  brought  into  diftrefs  by  the  malice  of 
his  enemies:  many  fuch  times  p^il^d  over  David,  nay,  there  . 
was  icarce  any  time  of  his  life  to  which  this  pfalm  may  not 
be  accommodated;  fur  in  this  he  was  a  type  of  Cbriit,  that: 
he  was  continually  hefet  with  enemies;  and  his  powerful 
and  prevalent  appeals  to  God  when  he  was  ib  bsftt,  pointed 
at  ChrihVs  dependence  on  his  Father,  and  triumphs  over 
the  powers  of  darknefs  in  the  midPr  of  his  fufrerings.  In 
this  pfalm,  (i.)  David  fcttles  a  correfpondence  between 
his  foul  and  God,  promifin  g  to  pray,  and  promifing  him- 
felf  that  G«d  would,  certainly  hear  him,  verf.  I.  2.  5. 
(2.)  He  gives  to  God  the  glory,  and  takes  to  Klinfeif  the 
comfort  of  God's  holinefs,  verf.  4. — 6.     (3.)  He  declares 

his 


io  P  S  A  L  M    V. 

ifoiiltion  to  keep  dofc  to  the  public  worfhip  of  God, 
vcif  7.  (4.)  He  prayed,  I.  For  himfelf,  that  God  would 
him,  verf.  8.  2.  A?ainft  his  enemies,  that  God 
would  deft roy  them,  verf.  9  10.  3.  For  all  the  people  of 
God,  that  God  would  give  them  joy,  and  keep  them  Tare, 
verf.  II.  12.  And  this  is  all  of  great  ufe  to  direct  us  in  prayer. 

To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Nehiloth,  A  pfaim  of  David. 

GIVE  ear  unto  my  words,  O  Lord, 
my  meditation  weigh. 

2  Hear  my  loud  cry,  my  King,  my  God; 

for  I  to  thee  will  pray. 

3  Lord,  thou  fhait  early  hear  my  voice; 

I  early  will  dired: 
My  pray'r  to  thee,  and  looking  up 
an  anfwer  will  expert. 

4  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  doth 

in  wickednefs  delight: 
Neither  fhall  evil  dwell  with  thee, 

5  Nor  fools  (land  in  thy  fight: 

All  that  ill-doers  are,  thou  hatTt; 

6  Cut'il  off  that  liars  be: 

The  bloody  and  deceitful  man 
abhorred  is  by  thee. 

7  Eut  I  into  thy  houfe  will  come 

in  thine  abundant  grace: 
And  I  will  worfhip  in  thy  fear 
toward  thy  holy  place. 
S  Eecaufe  of  thofe  mine  enemies, 
Lord,  in  thy  righteoufnefs 

Do 


P  S  A  L  M    V.  ii 

Do  thou  me  lead;  do  thou  thy  way- 
make  ftraight  before  my  face. 

9  For  in  their  mouth  there  is  no  truth* 

their  inward  part  is  ill; 
Their  throat's  an  open  fepulchre, 
their  tongue  doth  flatter  ftill. 

10  O  God,  deftroy  them,  let  them  be 

by  their  own  counfel  quell'd: 
Them  for  their  many  fins  caft  out, 
for  they  'gainft  thee  rebell'd. 

1 1  But  let  all  joy  that  truft  in  thee, 

and  ftill  make  fhouting  noife; 
For  them  thou  fav'ft :  let  all  that  love 
thy  name,  in  thee  rejoice. 

1 2  For,  Lord,  unto  the  righteous  man 

thou  wilt  thy  bleffing  yield; 
With  favour  thou  wilt  compafs  him 
about,  as  with  a  fhield. 

P  S  A  L  M    VI. 

David  was  a  weeping  prophet  as  well  as  Jeremiah,  and  this 
pfalm  is  one  of  his  lamentations:  either  it  was  penned  at 
a  time,  or  at  lead  Calculated  for  a  time  of  great  trouble, 
both  outward  and  inward.  Is  any  afflicted?  is  any  fick  ? 
let  him  Gng  tl  The  method  of  this  pfuim  is  very 

vr.ble,  and  wl  at  we  fhall  often  meet  with  :   He  begins 
with  doleful  complaints,  but  ends  il  praifes,  like 

Hannah,  who  went  to  prayer  with  a  forrdwful  fpirit,  but 
when  (he had  ptayed,  went  her  way,  and  her  countenance 
was  no  more  fad.  Three  things  the  pialnrffl  is  here  com- 
ing of ;  (l.)  Sickneis  cf  ho ;y.  (2.;  Trouble  0! 
:lme  of  Gir,  the  meritc  1 
and  iicknefs.  (3/  The  infults  of  his  enemies  upon  occa- 
bon  of  both.     X...  here,  1.  He  poors  out  his  complaints 

before 


12  P  S  A  L  M    VI. 

before  God,  deprecates  His  wrath,  and  begs  earnclrly  for 
the  return  of  his  favour,  vcrf.  i. — 7.  2.  He  afTures  himfelf 
of  an  aufwcr  of  peace  mortly,  to  his  full  fatisfatlion,  verf. 
8.  9.  10.     This  pfalni  is  like  the  book  of  Job. 

To  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth  upon  Shemir.ith, 
A  pfalm  of  David. 

LORD,  in  thy  wrath  rebuke  me  not, 
Nor  in  thy  hot  rage  chaften   me. 
%  Lord,  pity  me,  for  I  am   weak. 

Heal  mc,  /or  my  bones  vexed  be. 
%  My  foul  is  alfo  vexed   fore; 

But,  Lord,  how  long  (fay  wilt  thou  make? 

4  Return,  O  Lord,  my  foul  iet  free; 

0  fave  me  for  thy  mercies  lake. 

5  Bacaufe  thofe  that  deceafed  are, 

Of  thee  lball  no  remembrance  have; 
And  who  is  he  that  will  to  thee 
Give  praifes,  lying  in  the  grave  ? 

6  I  with  my  groaning  weary  am, 

1  aifo,  all  the  night,  my  bed 
Have  caufed  for  to  ftvirtv;  and   I 
With  tears  my  couch   have  watered. 

J  Mine  eye,  conium'd  with   grief,  grows  old, 

Becaufe  of  all  mine  enemies. 
8  Hence  from  me,  wicked  workers  all, 

For  God  hath   heard  my  weeping  cries. 
.9  God  hath  my  fupplication  heard, 

My  pray'r  received  gracioufly. 
JO  Sham'd  and  fore  vex'd  be  all  my  foes, 
Sham'd  and  back  turned  fuddenly. 

Another  of  the  fame. 

N  thy  great  indignation, 

O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not, 
Nor  on  me  lay  thy  chaftning  hand 

in  thy  difpleafure  hot. 
Lord,  I  am  weak,  therefore  on  me 

have  mercy,  and  me  fpare: 
He^l  me,  O  Lord,  becaufe  thou  know'ft 

my  bones  much  vexed  are. 

is  My 


P  S  A  L  M    VL  13 

3  My  foul  is  vexed  fore:  but,  Lord, 

how  long  ftay  wilt  thou  make  ? 

4  Return,  Lord,  free  my  foul,  and  fave 

me  for  thy  mercies  lake. 

5  Eecaufe  of  thee  in  death  there  {hall 

no  more  remembrance  be: 
Of  thofe  that  in  the  grave  do  lie, 
who  fhall  give  thanks  to  thee? 

6  I  with  my  groaning  weary  am, 

and  all  the  night  my  bed 
I  caufed  for  to  fwim  :  with  tears 
my  couch  I  watered. 

7  By  reafon  of  my  vexing  grief, 

mine  eye  confumed  is; 
It  waxeth  old  became  of  all 
that  be  mine  enemies. 
S  But  now  depart  from  me,  all  ji 
that  work  iniquity; 
For  why,  the  Lord  hath  heard  my  voice, 
when  I  did  mourn  and  c_ 

9  Unto  my  ^application 

the  Lord  did  hearing  give : 
When  I  to  him  my  prayer  make, 
the  Lord  will  it  receive. 

10  Let  all  be  iham'd,  and  troubled  fore, 

that  en'mies  are  to  me ; 
Let  them  turn  back,  and  fuddenly 

ifhamed  let  them  be. 

PSALM 


14  PSALM    VII. 

art  by  the  title,  that  this  pfulm  was  penned  upon  - 
particular  occafion,  which  was,   the  malicious  imputations 

L'avid  was  unjultly  laid  under  by  fjme  of  his  enemies. 
Being  thus  wronged,  (i.)  He  applies  himfclf  to  God  for 
favour,  verf.  I.  z.  (2.)  He  appeals  to  God  concerning  his 
innocency,  as  to  thole  I  .   of  he  was  accufed,  verf. 

3-4-  5-  (30  l'e  prays  to  God  to  plead  \&i  cauie,  r.nd  judge 
for  him  againfi:  his  pedecutprs,  verf.  6. — 9,  (4.)  He  ex- 
prcfTeth  his  confidence  in  Gcd  that  he  would  do  fo,  and 
would  return  the  d  e  hcadi  of  thole  that  de- 

:  it  cgainft  bim,  verf.  I c — 16.  (5.)  He  promifcth  to 
give  God  the  glory  of  his  deliverance,  verf.  1 7.     In  this  Da- 

,  and  fliil  is  in  his 
members  thus  injured,  but  will  certainly  be  righted  at  laft. 

•n  of  David,  which  he  fang  unto  the  Lord,  concerning- 
the  words  of  Cuih  the  Ben;:.. 

Lord  my  God,  in  thee  do  I 
rny  confidence  repofe: 
Save  and  deliver  me  from  all 
my  perfecuting  foes. 

2  Left  that  the  enemy  my  foul 

fhould  like  a  lion  tear, 
In  pieces  renting  it,  while  there 
is  no  deliverer. 

3  O  Lord  my  Gcd,  if  it  he  {oy 

that  I  committed  this ; 
If  it  be  fp,  that  in  my  hands 
iniquity  there  is; 

4  If  I  rewarded  ill  to  him 

that  was  at  peace  with  me; 
(Yea,  ev'n  the  man  that  without  caufe 
my  foe  was,  I  did  free:) 

5  Then  let  the  foe  puriue,  and  take 

;  foul,  and  my  life  thruft 

Down 


PSALM    VII.  15 

Down  to  the  earth,  and  let  him  lay 
mine  honour  in  the  duft. 

6  Rile  in  thy  wrath,  Lord,  raife  thyfelf, 

for  my  foes  raging  be : 
And  to  the  judgment  which  thou  haft 
commanded,  wake  for  me. 

7  So  fliall  th'  affembly  of  thy  folk 

about  encompafs  thee : 
Thou  therefore,  for  their  fakes,  return 
unto  thy  place  on  high. 

8  The  Lord  he  fhall  the  people  judge: 

my  judge,  Jehovah,  be, 
After  my  righteoufnefs,  and  mine 
integrity  in  me. 

9  O  let  the  wicked's  malice  end, 

but  ftablilh  ftedfaftly 
The  righteous :  for  the  righteous  God 
the  hearts  and  reins  doth  try. 

I  o  In  God,who  faves  th5  upright  in  heart, 

is  my  defence  and  flay. 

I I  God  juft  men  judgeth,  God  is  wroth 

with  ill  men  ev'ry  day. 

1 2  If  he  do  not  return  again, 

then  he  his  fword  will  whet; 
His  bow  he  hath  already  bent, 
and  hath  it  ready  fet. 

13  He  alio  hath  for  him  prepar'd 

the  inftrumcnts  of  death: 

Againft 


16  PSALM    VII. 

Againft  the  perfecutors  he 
his  (hafts  ordained  hath. 

14  Behold,  he  with  iniquity 

doth  travail  as  in  birth; 
A  mifchief  he  conceived  hath, 
and  falfehood  fhall  bring  forth. 

15  He  made  a  pit,  and  digg'd  it  deep> 

another  there  to  take; 
But  he  is  fall'n  into  the  ditch 
which  he  himfelf  did  make. 

16  Upon  his  own  head  his  mifchief 

{hall  be  returned  home; 
His  violent  dealing  alio  down 

on  his  own  pate  fhall  come. 
1  j  According  to  his  righteoufnefs 

the  Lord  I'll  magnify: 
And  will  fing  praife  unto  the  name 

of  God  that  is  moft  high. 

P  S  A  L  M     VIII. 

This  pfalm  is  a  folemn  meditation  on,  and  admiration  of,  the 
and  greatnefs  of  God,   which  we  are  all  concerned  to 
y  and  honourably  of.     It  begins  and  ends  with 
ne  acknowledgment  of  the  transcendent  excellency 
of  God's  name.      It   is    propofeil   to    be    proved,   verf.  I. 
is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth!'  And  then  it 
is  repeated  as  proved  (with  a  q-'od  cr,n  demon jirandum)  in 
the  (aft  verie.     For  the  proof  of  God's  glory,  he  gives  in- 
stances of  his  goodnefs  10  man;   for  God's  goodnefs  is  his 
Gcd  is   to  be  glorified,    (1.)   For  making  known 
If  and  his  great  name  to  us,  verf.  1.     (2.)  For  making 
:  of  the  children  of  men,  by  them  to  ferve 
hie  own  purposes,  verf.  2.     (3.)   For  making  even  the  hea- 
*.     j  b(M   es  ufetfrj)  to  man,  vcrf.   3.  4.     (4.)  For  making 

him 


PSALM    VHI.  17 

him  to  have  dominion  over  the  creatures  in  this  lower  world 
and  thereby  placing  him  but  little  lower  than  the  angels, 
vc-tH  5.  6.  7.  8.  This  pfalm  is  in  the  New  Tcflanie  n  ap- 
plied to  Chrifl,  and  the  work  of  our  redemption  which  he 
wrought  out:  the  honour  given  by  the  children  of  men  to 
him,  compare  verf.  2.  with  Matth.  xxi.  16.  and  the  I 
put  upon  the  children  of  men  by  him,  both  in  his  humilia- 
tion, when  he  was  made  little  low<  is,  and 
in  his  exaltation,  when  he  was  crowned  with  glory  and 
honour,  compare  verf.  5  6.  with  Heb.  ii.  6.  7.  C.  I  Cor. 
xv.  27.  When  we  are  observing  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
kingdom  of  naiure  and  providence,  we  mould  be  led  by 
that,  and  through  that,  to  the  contemplation  of  his  glory 
in  the  kingdom  of  grace. 

To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Gittith,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

HOW  excellent  in  all  the  earth, 
Lord  our  Lord,  is  thy  name ! 
Who  haft  thy  glory  far  advanced 
above  the  ftany  frame. 

2  From  infants  and  from  fucklings  mouth 

thou  dideft  ftrength  ordain, 
For  thy  foes  caufe,  that  fo  thou  mightft 
th'  avenging  foe  reftrain. 

3  When  I  look  up  unto  the  heav'ns, 

which  thine  own  fingers  fram'd, 
Unto  the  moon,  and  to  the  fears, 
which  were  by  thee  ordainM; 

4  Then  fay  I,  What  is  man,  that  he 

rememb'red  is  by  thee  ? 
Or  what  the  fon  of  man,  that  thou 
fo  kind  to  him  fhouldft  be  ? 

5  For  thou  a  little  lower  haft 

him  than  the  angels  made, 

B  With 


iS  PSALM    IX. 

With  glory  and  with  dignity 
thou  crowned  haft  his  head. 

6  Of  thy  hand-works  thou  mad'ft  hirn 

all  under's  feet  didft  lay :       (lord; 

7  All  fheep  and  oxen,  yea,  and  beads 

that  in  the  field  do  ftray : 

8  Fowls  of  the  air,  fifh  of  the  fea, 

all  that  pafs  through  the  fame. 

9  How  excellent  in  all  the  earth, 

Lord  our  Lord,  is  thy  name ! 

PSALM    IX. 

In  this  pfalm,  (i.)  David  praifeth  God  for  pleading  hi! 

and  giving  him  ri&ory  over  his  enemies,  and  the  enemies 
of  his  country,  verf.  f. — 6.  and  calls  upon  others  to  join 
with  him  in  hisfongs  of  praife,  verf.  II.  12.  (z.)  He  prays 
to  God  that  he  might  have  ftill  farther  occafion  to  praile 
him,  for  his  own  deliverances,  and  the  confufion  ot  his 
enemies,  verf.  13.  14.  19.  20.  (3.)  He  triumphs  in  the 
adurance  he  had  of  God's  judging  the  world,  verf,  7.  8. 
protecting  his  opprefTed  people,  veif.  9.  10.  18.  and  bringing 
his  and  their  implacable  enemies  to  ruin,  verf.  15.  16.  17. 
And  this  is  very  applicable  to  the  kingdom  of  the  MeiTiah, 
the  enemies  of  which  have  been  in  part  deftroyed  already, 
and  ihu.ll  be  yet  more  and  more,  till  they  all  he  made  his 
footilool,  which  we  are  to  aftiire  ourfelves  of,  that  God 
may  have  the  glory,  and  we  may  take  the  comfort. 

To  the  chief  mufician  iipcvn  Muth-Iabben,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

LORD,  thee  I'll  praife  with  all  my  heart, 
thy  wonders  all  proclaim. 

2  In  thee,  Moft  high,  Pll  greatly  joy, 

and  fing  unto  thy  name. 

3  When  back  my  foes  were  turn'd,  they 

and  peruVd  at  thy  fieht.         (fell, 

1  Fo* 


PSALM    IX.  19 

4  For  thou  maintain'dft  my  right  and 
on  throne  fat'ftjudging  right,    (caufe, 

5  The  heathen  thou  rebuked  haft, 

the  wicked  overthrown; 
Thou  haft  put  out  their  names,  that  they 
may  never  more  be  known. 

6  O  en'my !   now  deftruftions  have 

an  end  perpetual: 
Thou  cities  raz'd,  perifh'd  with  them 
is  their  memorial. 

7  God  fhall  endure  for  ay :  he  doth 

for  judgment  fet  his  throne, 

8  In  righteoufnefs  to  judge  the  world, 

juftice  to  give  each  one. 

9  God  alfo  will  a  refuge  be 

for  thofe  that  are  opprefs'd; 
A  refuge  will  he  be,  in  times 
of  trouble,  to  diftrefs'd. 

I  o  And  they  that  know  thy  name,  in  thee 

their  confidence  will  place: 
For  thou  haft  not  forfaken  them 
that  truly  fee>k  thy  face. 

I I  O  fing  ye  praifes  to  the  Lord, 

that  dwells  in  Sion  hill : 
And,  all  the  nations  among, 
his  deeds  record  ye  ftill. 
1  2  When  he  enquireth  after  blood, 
he  then  rememb'reth  them: 

B  2  The 

i 


20  PSALM    IX. 

The  humble  folk  he  not  forgets, 
that  call  upon  his  name. 

13  Lord,  pity  me,  behold  the  grief 

which  I  from  foes  fuftain, 
Ev'n  thou  who  from  the  gates  of  death 
doft  raife  me  up  again : 

14  That  I,  in  Sion's  daughters  gates, 

may  all  thy  praife  advance : 
And  that  I  may  rejoice  always 
in  thy  deliverance. 

15  The  heathen  are  funk  in  the  pit 

Whith  they  themfelves  prepared: 
And  in  the  net  which  they  have  hid, 
their  own  feet  faft  are  fnarM. 

1 6  The  Lord  is  by  the  judgment  known 

which  he  himfelf  hath  wrought: 
Thefinners  hands  do  make  the  fnares 
wherewith  themfelves  are  caught. 

1 7  They  who  are  wicked,  into  hell 

each  one  fhall  turned  be; 
Arid  all  the  nations  that  forget 
to  feek  the  Lord  mod  high. 

1 8  For  they  that  needy  are,  fhall  not 

forgotten  be  alway : 
The  expectation  of  the  poor 
fhall  not  be  loft  for  ay. 

19  Arife,  Lord,  let  not  man  prevail: 

judge  heathens  in  thy  light: 

20  That 


PSALM    X.  21 

20  That  they  may  know  themfelves  but 
the  nations,  Lord,  affright,     (men, 

PSALM    X. 

The  LXX  tranflation  joins  this  pfaim  with  the  ninth,  end 
makes  them  but  one;  but  the  Hebrew  makes  it  a  dlfiinct 
pfalm,  and  the  fcope  and  ftile  is  different.  In  this  p&lro, 
(i.)  David  complains  of  the  wickednefs  of  the  wicked,  and 
defcribes  the  mighty  pitch  of  Impiety  to  which  they 
arrived,  to  the  g-eat  difhononr  of  God,  and  the  pr?i  u!ke 
of  his  church  and  people,  and  the  delay  of  God's  a;  , 

it  them,  verf.  I. — II.  (2  )  Ke  prays  to  God  to  ap- 
pear againft  them  for  the  relief  of  his  people,  and  comforts 
himfeif  with  hopes  that  he  would  do  To  in  dee  time,  verf. 

ia — 18. 

WHerefore  is  it,  that  thou,  O  Lord, 
doft  ftand  from  us  afar  ? 
And  wherefore  hideft  thou  thyfeif, 
when  times  fo  troublous  are? 

2  The  wicked,  in  his  loftinefs, 

doth  perfecute  the  poor : 
In  thofe  devices  they  have  fram'd, 
let  them  be  taken  fure. 

3  The  wicked  of  his  heart's  defire 

doth  talk  with  boafting  great; 
He  blefleth  him  that's  covetous, 
wThom  yet  the  Lord  doth  hate. 

4  The  wicked,  through  his  pride  of  face, 

on  God  he  doth  not  call : 
And  in  the  counfels  of  his  heart 
the  Lord  is  not  at  all, 

5  His  ways  they  always  grievous  are ; 

thy  judgments  from  his  fight 

Removed 


22  P  S  A  L  M    X. 

Removed  are :  at  all  his  foes 
he  puffeth  with  defpight. 

6  Within  his  heart  he  thus  hath  faid, 

1  fhall  not  moved  be; 
And  no  adverfity  at  all 
fhall  ever  come  to  me. 

7  His  mouth  with  curfing,  fraud,  deceit, 

is  fill'd  abundantly: 
And  underneath  his  tongue  there  is 
mifchief  and  vanity. 

8  He  clofely  fits  in  villages : 

he  flays  the  innocent: 
Againft  the  poor,  that  pafs  him  by, 
his  cruel  eyes  are  bent. 

9  He  lion-like  lurks  in  his  den: 

he  waits  the  poor  to  take: 
And  when  he  draws  him  in  his  net, 
his  prey  he  doth  him  make. 
io  Himfelf  he  humbleth  very  low, 
he  croucheth  down  withal, 
That  fo  a  multitude  of  poor 
may  by  his  ftrong  ones  fall. 

1 1  He  thus  hath  faid  within  his  heart, 

The  Lord  hath  quite  forgot : 
He  hides  his  countenance,  and  he 
for  ever  fees  it  not. 

1 2  O  Lord,  do  thou  arife ;  O  God, 

lift  up  thine  hand  on  high: 

Put 


P  $  A  L  M    X.  23 

Put  not  the  meek  afflicted  ones 
out  of  thy  memory. 

13  Why  is  it  that  the  wicked  man 

thus  doth  the  Lord  deipife  ? 
Becaufe,  that  God  will  it  require, 
he  in  his  heart  denies. 

14  Thou  haft  it  feen,  for  their  mifchief 

and  fpite  thou  wilt  repay : 
The  poor  commits  himfelf  to  thee, 
thou  art  the  orphan's  ftay. 

15  The  arm  break  of  the  wdcked  man, 

and  of  the  evil  one : 
Do  thou  feek  out  his  wickednefs, 
until  thou  findeft  none. 

16  The  Lord  is  King  through  ages  all, 

ev'n  to  eternity: 
The  heathen  people  from  his  land 
are  perifh'd  utterly. 

1 7  O  Lord,  of  thofe  that  humble  are 

thou  the  defire  didft  hear : 
Thou  wilt  prepare  their  heart,  and  thou 
to  hear  wilt  bend  thine  ear : 

18  To  judge  the  fatherlefs,  and  thofe 

that  are  opprefled  fore; 
That  man,  that  is  but  fprung  of  earth, 
may  them  opprefs  no  more. 


' 


PSAL 


M 


24  PSALM    XI. 

In  this  pfalm  \»  e  have;  David's  ftruggle  with,  and  triumph 
over  a  (trong  temptation  to  diftruft  God,  and  betake  him- 
felf  to  indirect  means  for  his  own  fafety  in  a  time  of  dan- 
ger. It  is  fuppo&d  to  have  heen  penned  when  he  began  to 
feel  the  rtfentments  of  Saul's  envy,  and  had  the  jave- 
lin thrown  at  him  once  and  again;  lie  was  then  ad  villa  to 
run  his  country;  No,  faith  he,  I  truft  in  God,  and  there- 
fore will  keep  n  Obfeivc,  (i.)  How  he  repre- 
fents  this  temptation,  and  perhaps  parleys  with  it,  verl.  I. 
2.  3.  (2.)  How  he  aniwers  it,  and  puts  it  tu  frtebce  with 
the  confederation  of  God's  dominion  and  providence,  verf. 
4  his  favour  to  the  righteous,  and  the  wrath  which  the 
wicked  are  referred  for,  verf.  4.  5.  6.  7.  In  time  of  public 
fears,  when  the  infults  of  the  church's  enemies  are  daring 
and  threatening,  it  will  be  profitable  to  meditate  on  this 

•    pfalm. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfo!m  of  David. 

In  the  Lord  do  put  my  truft: 

how  is  it  then  that  ye 
Say  to  my  foul,  Flee  as  a  bird 
unto  your  mountain  high  ? 

2  For  lo,  the  wicked  bend  their  bow, 

their  fhafts  on  firing  they  fit: 
That  thofe  who  upright  are  in  heart 
they  privily  may  hit. 

3  If  the  foundations  be  deftroy'd, 

what  hath  the  righteous  done? 

4  God  in  his  holy  temple  is, 

in  heaven  is  his  throne: 
His  eyes  do  fee,  his  eye-lids  try 

5  mens  fons.    The  juft  he  proves: 
But  his  foul  hates  the" wicked  man, 

and  him  that  violence  loves. 

6  Snares,  fire,  and  brimftone,  furious 

on  finners  he  fhall  rain :     (ftorms, 

This 


PSALM    XII.  2S 

This,  as  the  portion  of  their  cup, 
doth  unto  them  pertain. 
7  Becaufe  the  Lord  moft  righteous  doth 
in  righteoufnefs  delight, 
And  with  a  pleafant  countenance 
beholdeth  the  upright. 

PSALM    XII. 

It  is  furpofed  that  David  penned  this  pfalm  in  Saul's  reign, 
when  there  was  a  general  decay  of  honefty  and  piety  both  in 
court  and  country,  which  he  here  complains  of  to  God,  and 
very  feelingly,  for  he  himfclf  fu  aired  by  the  treachery  of 
his  faife  fnehVis,  and  the  inlolence  of  his  fwora  enemies. 
(i.)  He  begs  help  cf  God,  becaufe  there  were  none  among 
men  whom  he  darft  truft.  verf.  I.  2.  (2)  Ke  foretcls  the 
defrruction  of  ins  proud  and  threatening  enemies,  verf.  3.4. 
(3.)  He  allures  himfelf  and  others,  that  how  ill  foever 
things  went  now,  verf.  8.  God  would  preferve  and  fecure  to 
himfeif  his  own  people,  verf.  5.  7.  and  would  certainly  make 
good  his  promiles  to  them,  verf.  6.  Whether  this  pfalm 
was  penned  in  Saul's  reign  or  no,  it  is  certainly  calculated 
for  a  had  reign,  2nd,  perhaps,  David  in  fpirit  forefaw,  that 
fome  of  his  ilicceiTcrs  would  bring  things  to  as  ill  a  pais,  as 
is  hc>c  defcribed,  and  treafured  up  this  pfalm,  for  the  ufe 
of  the  church  then.     0  tcm^ora^  0  moral 

To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Sheminith,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

ty  ELP,  Lord,  becaufe  the  godly  man 
JL     doth  daily  fade  away; 
And  from  among  the  fons  of  men 
the  faithful  do  decay. 
2  Unto  his  neighbour  ev'ry  one 
doth  utter  vanity : 
They  with  a  double  heart  do  fpeak, 
and  lips  of  flatterv. 

3  God 


26  PSALM    XIII. 

3  God  fhall  cut  off  all  flatt'ring  lips, 

tongues  that  fpeak  proudly,  thus, 

4  We'll  with  our  tongue  prevail,  our  lips 

are  ours :  who's  lord  o'er  us  ? 

5  For  poor  opprefs'd,  and  for  the  fighs 

of  needy,  rife  will  I, 
Saith  God,  and  him  in  fafety  fet 
from  fuch  as  him  defy. 

6  The  wrords  of  God  are  words  moft  pure;, 

they  be  like  filver  try'd 
In  earthen  furnace,  feven  times 
that  hath  been  purify'd. 

7  Lord,thou  fhalt  them  preferve  and  keep 

for  ever  from  this  race. 

8  On  each  fide  walk  the  wicked,  wrhen 

vile  men  are  high  in  place. 

PSALM     X1IL 

This  pfalm  is  the  deferted  foul's  cafe  and  cure.  Whether  it 
was  penned  upon  any  particular  occafion,  doth  not  appear  ; 
but  in  general,  (l.)  David  fadly  complains,  that  God  had 
long  withdrawn  from  him,  and  delayed  to  relieve  him, 
verf.  i.  2.  (2)  He  earneftly  prays  to  God  to  confider  his 
cafe,  and  comfort  him,  verf;  3.  4.  (3.)  He  allures  himftif 
of  an  anfwer  of  peace,  and  therefore  concludes  this  pfalm 
with  joy  and  triumph,  hecaufe  he  concludes  his  deliverance 
as  nrood  as  wrought,  verf.  5.  6. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

HOW  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  Lord, 
fhall  it  for  ever  be  ? 
O  how  long  fhall  it  be,  that  thou 
wilt  hide  thy  face  from  me? 

'  TT 

2  How 


PSALM    XIII.  27 

2  Hovr  long  take  coimfel  in  my  foul, 

full  fad  in  heart,  lLall  I? 
Row  long  exalted  over  me 
ill  all  be  mine  enemy  ? 

3  OLord  my  God,  conlider  well, 

and  anfwer  to  me  make : 
Mine  eyes  enlighten,  left  the  fleep 
of  death  me  overtake  ; 

4  Left  that  mine  enemy  fhould  fay, 

Againft  him  I  prevail'd; 
And  thofe  that  trouble  me,  rejoice, 
when  I  am  mov'd  and  fail'd. 

5  But  I  have  all  my  confidence 

thy  mercy  fet  upon  : 
My  heart  within  me  fhall  rejoice 
in  thy  falvation. 

6  I  will  unto  the  Lord  my  God 

fing  praifes  cheerfully, 
Becaufe  he  hath  his  bounty  fhown 
to  me  abundantly. 

PSALM    XIV. 

It  doth  not  appear  upon  what  ocean  on  t! 
nor  m  n  any  particular  c 

vid  penned  it  when   Saul  perfecuted  him  ;    others, 
Abfalom  rebelled  againft  him.     But  they  are  mere  : 

krh  have  not  certainty  enough   to  warrant  us   to 

He.  in  qoofcuipart 

of  this  pfalm,   Rem.  fii.  lb.  wljmd 

4  Ge:  I  under  fin,"'   \c\\.  9.  and  l    ail  the  world  is 

gene  1    cf  the  pravity   of  the  human  na- 

il he  fin ful nefs 


28  PSALM    XIV. 

born  in  ;  and  the  deplorable  corruption  of  a  great  part  of 
mankind,  even  of  *  the  world  that  lies  in  wickednefs,' 
I  John  v.  19.  But  as  in  thofe  pfalms  which  are  defigned. 
to  difcover  our  remedy  in  Chrilt,  there  is  commonly  an 
allufion  to  David  himfelf,  yea,  and  fome  paflages  that  are 
to  be  underilood  primarily  of  him,  as  in  Pfal.  ii.  xvi.  xxii. 
and  others;  fo  in  this  pfalm,  which  is  defigned  to  difcover 
our  wound  by  fin,  there  is  an  allufion  to  David's  enemies 
and  perfecutors,  and  other  the  opprcfTors  of  good  men  at 
that  time,  to  whom  fome  paflages  have  an  immediate  refe- 
rence. In  all  the  pfalms,  from  the  3d  to  this,  (except  the 
8th,)  David  had  been  complaining  of  thofe  that  hated  and 
perfecuted  him,  infulted  him  and  abufed  him  ;  now  here  he 
runs  up  all  thofe  hitter  dreams  to  the  fountain,  the  general 
corruption  of  nature,  and  fees  they  were  not  his  enemies  on- 
ly, but  all  the  children  of  men  that  were  thus  corrupted. 
Here  is,  (i.j  A  charge  exhibited  againft  a  wicked  world, 
vcrf.  1  (2.)  The  proof  of  the  charge,  verf.  2.  3.  (3.)  A 
feiious  expoftulation  with  finners,  efpecially  with  perfecu- 
tors  upon  it,  verf.  4.  5.  6.  (4  )  A  believing  prayer  for 
the  falvation  of  ffrael,  and  a  joyful  expectation  of  it,  verf.  7. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

HP  HAT  there  is  not  a  God,  the  fool 
JL       doth  in  his  heart  conclude; 
They  are  corrupt,  their  works  are  vile, 
not  one  of  them  doth  good. 

2  Upon  mens  fons  the  Lord  from  heav'n 

did  caft  his  eyes  abroad; 
To  fee  if  any  underftood, 
and  did  feek  after  God. 

3  They  altogether  filthy  are, 

they  all  afide  are  gone: 
And  there  is  none  that  doeth  good, 
yea,  fure  there  is  not  one. 

4  Thefe  workers  of  iniquity, 

do  they  not  know  at  all, 

That 


PSALM    XV.  29 

That  they  my  people  eat  as  bread, 
and  on  God  do  not  call  ? 

5  There  fear'd  they  much :  for  God  is 

the  whole  race  of  the  juft.      (with 

6  You  fhame  the  counfel  of  the  poor, 

becaufe  God  is  his  truft. 

7  Let  Ifr'ePs  help  from  Sion  come. 

When  back  the  Lord  lhali  bring 
His  captives,  Jacob  {hall  rejoice, 
and  Ifrael  (hall  fing. 

PSALM     XV. 

The  fcope  of  this  fhort,  hut  excellent  pfalm,  is,  to  (hew  its 
the  way  to  heaven ;  and  to  convince  us,  that  if  we  would 
be  happy,  we  mud  be  holy  and  honett.  Chrift,  whp  is 
himfelf  the  way,  and  in  whom  we  miift  walk  as  our  way, 
has  alfo  fiiewed  us  the  fame  way  that  is  here  preferred, 
Matth.  xix.  17.  'If  thou  wilt  enter  into  life,  keep  the 
'  commandments.'  In  this  pfalm,  (1.)  By  the  qi.. 
ve:  f.  I.  we  are  directed  and  excited  to  enquire  the  way. 
(Z.)  By  the  anfvver  to  that  queftion  in  the  reft  of  the  pfalm, 
we  are  defired  to  walk,  verf.  z.  3.  4.  5.  (3.)  By  the  aiTur- 
ance  given  in  the  clofe  of  this  pfalm,  of  the  iafety  and  hap- 
pinefs  of  thofc  who  anfwer  thefe  characters,  we  are  encou- 
raged to  walk  in  that  way,  verf.  5. 

A  pfaim  of  David. 

ITHIN  thy  tabernacle,  I 
who  {hall  abide  with  thee? 
And  in  thy  high  and  holy 
who  fhall  a  dweller  be? 
The  man  that  walketh  uprightly, 
and  worketh  righteouiheis ; 

And 


3o  PSALM    XV. 

And  as  he  thinketh  in  his  heart, 
fo  doth  he  truth  exprefs. 

3  Who  doth  not  fiander  with  his  tongue, 

nor  to  his  friend  doth  hurt, 
Nor  yet  againft  his  neighbour  doth 
take  up  an  ill  report. 

4  In  whofe  eyes  vile  men  are  defpis'd; 

but  thofe  that  God  do  fear, 
He  honoureth:  and  changeth  not, 
though  to  his  hurt  he  fwear. 

5  His  coin  puts  not  to  ufury, 

nor  take  reward  will  he 
Againft  the  guiltlefs.  W  ho  doth  thus, 
fhall  never  moved  be. 

PSALM     XVI. 

This  pfalm  bath  Something  of  David  in  it,  but  much  more  of 
Chrift;  it  begins  with  fuch  exprtfiions  of  devotion,  as  may 
be  applied  to  Chrift:;  but  concludes  with  fuch  confidence 
oi'a  refurreclion,  (and  To  timely  a  one  as  to  prevent  cor- 
ruption), as  muft  be  applied  to  Chrift,  to  him  only,  and 
cannot  be  underftood  of  David,  as  both  St  Peter  and  St 
Paul  have  obferved,  Acts  ii.  24. — xiii.  36.',  for  David 
died,  and  was  buried,  and  faw  corruption.  (1.)  David 
fpeaks  cf  himfelf  as  a  member  of  Chrifl,  and  fo  he  fpeaks 
the  language  of  all  good  Chrifiians.  profeffing  his  confi- 
dfincc  in  God,  verf  1.;  his  content  to  him,  verf.  2.;  his 
affection  tcr the  people  of  God,  veif.  3.;  his  adherence  to 
the  true  worfhip  of  God,  verf.  4.;  and  his  entire  com- 
placency and  fatisfacV.on  in  God,  aucLthe  intereft  he  had  in 
him,  verf.  5.  6.  7.  (z)Hefntaks  of  himfclf  as  a  type  of 
Chrift,  and  fo  he  fpeaks  the  language  of  Chrift  himfclf,  to 
whom  all  the  reft  or  the  pfalm.  is  exprtfsly  and  at  large  ap- 
plied, Ac  ~  David  fp'.akcth  concerning  him, 
(not  concerning  i.im.ur),  '  i  foretow  the  lord  always  be- 
4  fore  my  f;  .^nd  this  he  '  fpake  being  a  prophet,' 
verf.  30,  31.;  fpake,  (1.)  Of  the  fpecial  prefence  of  God 

with 


P  S  A  L  M    XVI.  31 

with  the  Redeemer,   in  his  fervices  and  fcjFeringS,    verf.  ?. 

Of  the  p^oipeet  which  the  Redeemer  had  oi  his  pWu  re- 
furreelion,  and  the  glory  that  ihould  follow,  which  carried 
him  cheerfully  through  his  uncJe'rtakirg,  verf.  9.  10.  11. 

Michtam   of  David. 

LORD,  keep  me :  for  I  truft  in  thee. 
2  To  God  thus  was  my  fpeech; 
Thou  art  my  Lord,  and  unto  thee 
my  goodnefs  doth  not  reach : 

3  To  faints  on  earth,  to  th'  excellent, 

where  my  delight's  all  plac'd. 

4  Their  forrows  fhall  be  multiply'd, 

to  other  gods  that  hafte: 
Of  their  drink-offerings  of  blood 

I  will  no  off 'ring  make; 
Yea,  neither  I  their  very  names 

up  in  my  lips  will  take. 

5  God  is  of  mine  inheritance 

and  cup  the  portion : 
The  lot  that  fallen  is  to  me, 
thou  doft  maintain  alone. 

6  Unto  me  happily  the  lines 

in  pleafant  places  fell; 
Yea,  the  inheritance  I  got, 
in  beauty  doth  excel. 
j  I  blefs  the  Lord,  becaufe  he  doth 
by  counfel  me  conduct: 
And,  in  the  leaibns  of  the  night, 
my  reins  do  me  inftrudt. 

8  Before 


32  PSALM    XVII. 

8  Before  me  ftill  the  Lord  I  fet : 

fith  it  is  fo,  that  he 
Doth  ever  (land  at  my  right  hand, 
I  fhall  not  moved  be. 

9  Eecaufe  of  this  my  heart  is  glad, 

and  joy  fhall  be  expreft 
Ev'n  by  my  glory:  and  my  flefh 
in  confidence  fhall  reft. 
io  Eecaufe  my  foul  in  grave  to  dwell 
fhall  not  be  left  by  thee; 
Nor  wilt  thou  give  thine  holy  One 
corruption  to  fee. 
1 1  Thou  wilt  me  fhew  the  path  of  life : 
of  joys  there  is  full  ftore 
Eefore  thy  face,  at  thy  right  hand 
are  pleafures  evermore. 

PSALM    XVIL 

David  being  in  great  diftrefs  and  danger  by  the  malice  of  his 

enemies,    doth  in  this  nfalm  by  pi  aver  addrefs  himfelf  to 

God,  his  tried    refuge,  and  feeks  (belter  in  him.     (i.)  He 

-Is  to  God  concerning  his  integrity,  verf.  I. — 4.  (2.)  He 

p.  ays  to  God  dill  to  be  upheld  in  his  integrity,  and  pi 

m  the  malice  of  his  enemies,  verf.  5. — 8.  13.  (3.) 
He  gives  a  character  of  his  enemies,  ufing  that  as  a  plea  with. 
.  r  his  prefervation.  verf.  9. — 12.  14.  (4-)  He  com- 
forts himfelf  with  the  hopes  of  his  future  happinefs,  verf.  14. 
Av.d  lorr.e  make  him  in  this  a  type  of  Chriil,  who  was  per- 
fectly innocent,  and  yet  was  bated  and  perfected;  hut,  like 
David,  committeth  himfelf  and  his  caufe  to  him  that  iiulg- 
eth  righteou%. 

A  prayer  of  David. 

LORD,  hear  the  right,  attend  my  cry, 
unto  my  pray'r  give  heed, 

*  That 


P  S  A  L  M    XVII.  33 

That  doth  not  in  hypocrify 
from  feigned  lips  proceed. 

2  And  from  before  thy  prefence  forth 

my  fentence  do  thou  fend : 
Toward  thofe  things  that  equal  are, 
do  thou  thine  eyes  intend. 

3  Thou  prov'dft  mine  heart.thou  viftt'dft 

bj  night,  thou  didft  me  try,     (me 
Yet  nothing  found'il;  for  that  my  mouth 
fhall  not  fin,  p  3  I. 

4  As  for  mens  works,  I,  by  the  word 

that  from  thy  lips  doth  flow, 
Did  me  preferve  out  of  the  paths 
wherein  deftroyers  go. 

5  Hold  up  my  goings,  Lord;  me  guide 

in  thofe  thy  paths  divine, 
So  that  my  foofcfteps  may  not  Hide 
out  of  thefe  ways  of  thine. 

6  I  called  have  en  thee,  O  God, 

becaufe  thou  wilt  me  hear: 
That  thou  may  ft  hearken  to  m; 
to  me  Incline  thine  ear. 

7  Th  ts  loving-kindnefs  (how, 

thou  that  by  thy  right  h a 
Sav'  ittruftinthee,fit>m,t] 

that  up  againft  them  Hand. 

8  As  th'  apple  of  the  eye  me  keep; 

in  thy  wings  fhade  me  cl 

C  9  Fi 


34  P  S  A  L  M    XVII. 

9  From  lewd  oppreffors,  compafling 

mc  round,  as  deadly  foes. 

10  In  their  own  fat  they  are  inclos'dy 

their  mouth  fpeaks  loftily. 
ii  Our  fleps  they  compafs'd ;  and  to 
down  bowing  fet  their  eye.     (ground 
1 2  He  like  unto  a  lion  is, 
-   that's  greedy  of  his  prey; 
Or  lion  young,  which  lurking  doth 
in  fecret  places  flay, 
i  j  Arife,  and  difappoint  my  foe, 
and  caft  him  down,  O  Lord : 
My  foul  fave  from  the  wicked  man, 
the  man  which  h  thv  fword. 

14  From  men  which  are  thy  hand,  O 

from  wordly  men  me  fave,     (Lord, 
Which  only  in  this  prefent  life 

their  part  and  portion  have  : 
Whole  belly  with  thy  treaiure  hid 

thou  filPft:  they  children  have 
In  plenty,  of  their  goods  the  reft 

they  to  their  children  leave. 

15  But  as  for  me,  I  thine  own  face 

in  righteoufnefs  will  fee : 
And  with  thy  likenefs,  when  I  wake, 
I  fatisfy'd  fhail  be. 

PSAL  M 


PSALM    XVIII.         3S 

This  pfalm  we  meet  with  before  in  the  hiftory  of  David's 
Tife,  2  Sam.  xxii.  That  was  the  firft  edition  of  it,  here  we 
have  it  revived,  altered  a  little,  and  fitted  for  the  fervice 
of  the  church.  It  is  David's  thank/living  for  the  many- 
deliverances  God  had  wrought  for  him,  which  he  defired 
always  to  preserve  freih  in  his  own  memory,  and  to  dif- 
fufe  and  entail  the  knowledge  of  them.  It  is  an  admirable 
compofiire.  The  poetry  is  very  fine,  the  images  bell,  the 
exprefTions  lofty,  and  every  word  proper  and  fignificant; 
but  the  piety  far  exceeds  the  poetry  ;  holy  faith,  and  love, 
and  joy,  and  praife,  and  hope,  are  here  lively,  active,  and 
upon  the  wing,  (i.)  He  triumphs  in  God,  verf.  I.  2.  3. 
(2.)  He  magnifies  the  deliverances  God  had  wrought  for 
him,  verf.  4, — 19.  (3.)  He  takes  the  comfort  of  his  inte- 
grity which  God  had  thereby  cleared  up,  verf.  20. — 2-3, 
(4.)  He  gives  to  God  the  glory  of  all  his  achievements, 
verf.  29. — 42*  (5.)  He  encourageth  himfelf  with  the  ex- 
::on  of  what  God  would  farther  do  for  him  and  his, 
verf.  43. — 50. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A pfaltn  of  D-\:d,  the  fawant  of  the 
Lord,  who  fpake  unto  the  Lord  the  words  of  this  fong  in  the 
day  thai  the  Lord  delivered  him  from  the  hand  of  all  his 
enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  Saul ;   And  he  faid, 

^HEE  will  I  love,  OLord,  my  ftrength. 
2  My  fortrefs  is  the  Lord, 
My  rock,  and  he  that  doth  to  me 
deliverance  afford: 
My  God,  my  ftrength,  whom  I  will  truft, 
a  buckler  unto  me, 
The  horn  of  my  falvation, 
and  my  high  tow'r  is  he. 

3  Upon  the  Lord,  who  worthy  is 

of  praifes,  will  I  cry : 
And  then  fhall  I  preferved  be 
fafe  from  mine  enemy. 

4  Floods  of  ill  men  affrighted  me, 

death's  pangs  about  me  went. 

C  2  5  Hell's 


36         P  S  A  L  M    XVIII. 

5  Hell's  forrows  me  environed: 

death's  fnares  did  me  prevent, 

6  In  my  diftrefs  I  call'd  on  God, 

cry  to  my  God  did  I: 
Ke  from  his  temple  heard  my  voice, 
to  his  ears  came  my  cry. 

7  TV  earth,  as  affrighted,  then  didfhake, 

trembling  upon  it  feiz'd; 
The  hills  foundations  moved  were, 
becaufe  he  was  difpleas'd. 
,8  Up  from  his  noftrils  came  a  fmoke, 
and  from  his  mouth  there  came 
Be  ;•  fire3  and  coals  by  it 

were  turned  into  flame. 
9  He  alfo  bowed  down  the  heav'ns, 
and  thence  he  did  defcend : 
And  thickeit  clouds  of  darknefs  did 
under  his  feet  attend, 
io  And  he  upon  a  cherub  rpde, 
and  thereon  he  did  fly : 
Yea,  on  the  Fwift  wings  of  the  wind 
his  flight  was  from  on  high. 

1 1  He  darknefs  made  his  feci  %  . 

r.bcut  him  for  his  tc 
Dark  waters  were,  and  uds 

ivy     .'  nam'epk 

12  And  at  the  brightng 

ch  was  before  his  - 

Hia 


PSA  L  M    XVIII.         37 

His  thick  clouds  pafs'd  away,  hail-fiones 
and  coals  of  fire  did  fly. 

13  The  Lord  God  alfo  in  the  heav'ns 

did  thunder  in  his  ire, 
And  there  the  higheft  gave  his  voice, 
hail-fi:ones  and  coals  of  fire. 

14  Yea,  he  his  arrows  fent  abroad,      f 

and  them  he  fcattered ; 
His  lightnings  alfo  he  fhot  out, 

and  them  difcomfited. 
1  j  The  waters  channels  then  were  feen, 

the  world's  foundations  vaft 
At  thy  rebuke  difcov'red  were, 

and  at  thy  noftrils  blaft. 

16  And  from  above  the  Lord  fent  down, 

and  took  me  from  below, 
From  many  waters  he  me  drew, 
which  would  me  overflow. 

1 7  He  me  relieved  from  my  ftrong  foes, 

and  fuch  as  did  me  hate: 
Becaufe  he  faw  that  they  for  me 
too  flrong  were,  and  too  great. 

18  They  me  prevented  in  the  day 

of  my  calamity : 
But,  even  then,  the  Lord  himfelf 
a  flay  was  unto  me. 

19  He  to  a  place  where  liberty 

and  room  ^vas,  hath  me  brought : 

Becaufe 


38        PSALM    XVIIL 

Becaufe  he  took  delight  in  me, 
he  my  deliv'rance  wrought, 

20  According  to  my  righteoufnefs, 

he  did  me  recompence ; 
He  me  repaid  according  to 
my  hands  pure  innocence. 

2 1  For  I  God's  ways  kept,  from  my  God 

did  not  turn  wickedly. 

22  His  judgments  were  before  me,  I 

his  laws  put  not  from  me. 

23  Sincere  before  him  wras  my  heart* 

with  him  upright  was  I; 
And  watchfully  I  kept  myfelf 

from  mine  iniquity. 
24/ After  my  righteoufnefs  the  Lord 

hath  recompenfed  me, 
After  the  cleannefs  of  my  hands 

appearing  in  his  eye. 
25  Thou  gracious  to  the  gracious  art, 

to  upright  men  upright. 
2-6  Pure  to  the  pure,  froward  thou  ky  th'ft 

unto  the  frowTard  wight. 

27  For  thou  wilt  the  afflided  fave, 

in  grief  that  low  do  lie : 
But  wilt  bring  down  the  countenance 
of  them  whofe  looks  are  high. 

28  The  Lord  will  light  my  candle  fo, 

that  it  fhall  fhine  full  bright: 

The 


PSALM    XVIII.         39 

The  Lord  my  God  will  alio  make 
my  darknefs  to  be  light. 

29  By  thee  through  troops  of  men  I 

and  them  difcomfit  all:       (break, 
And,  by  my  God  affifting  me, 
I  overleap  a  wall. 

30  As  for  God,  perfect  is  his  way: 

the  Lord  his  word  is  try'd: 
He  is  a  buckler  to  all  thofe 
who  do  in  him  confide. 

31  Who  but  the  Lord  is  God?  but  he 

who  is  a  rock  and  flay? 

32  'Tis  God  that  girdeth  me  with 
and  perfect  makes  my  way.  (ftrength, 

^^  He  made  my  feet  fwift  as  the  hinds, 

fet  me  on  my  high  places. 
34  Mine  hands  to  war  he  caught,  mine 
brake  bows  of  fteel  in  pieces,     (arms 
3  j  The  fhield  of  thy  falvation 
thou  didft  on  me  beftow : 
Thy  right  hand  held  me  up;  and  great 
thy  kindnefs  made  me  grow. 
36  And  in  my  way,  my  fteps  thou  hail 
enlarged  under  me; 
That  I  go  fafely,  and  my  feet 
are  kept  from  Aiding  free. 
3  j  Mine  en'mies  I  purfued  have, 
and  did  them  overtake : 

Nor 


4o        PSALM    XVni. 

Nor  did  I  turn  again,  till  I 
an  end  of  them  did  make. 

38  I  wounded  them,  they  could  not  rife: 

they  at  my  feet  did  fall.       (war : 

39  Thou  girdeft  me  with  ftrength  for 

my  foes  thou  brought'ft  down  all. 

40  And  thou  haft  given  to  me  the  necks 

of  all  mine  enemies: 
That  I  might  them  deftroy  and  flay 
who  did  againft  me  rife. 

41  They  cried  out,  but  there  was  none 

that  wrould  or  could  them  fave : 
Yea,  they  did  cry  unto  the  Lord, 
but  he  no  anfwer  gave. 

42  Then  did  I  beat  them  final  1  as  duft 

before  the  wind  that  flies : 
And  I  did  caft  them  out  like  dirt 
upon  the  ftreet  that  lies. 

43  Thou  mad'ft  me  free  from  people's 

and  heathen's  head  to  be :     (itrife, 
,     A  people  whom  I  have  not  known, 
fhall  fervice  do  to  me. 

44  At  hearing  they  fhall  me  obey ; 

to  me  they  fhall  fubmit. 

45  Strangers  for  fear  fhall  fade  away, 

who  in  clofe  places  fit. 

46  God  lives,  blefs'd  be  my  rock:  theGod 

of  my  health  praifed  be. 

47  God 


P  S  A  L  M    XIX.  41 

47  God  doth  avenge  me,  and  fubdues 

the  people  under  me, 

48  Ke  laves  me  from  mine  enemies : 

yea,  thou  haft  lifted  me 
Above  my  fd?s ;  and  from  the  man 
cf  violence  let  me  free. 

49  Therefore  to  thee  will  I  give  thanks 

the  heathen  fol  :ig: 

And  to  tk  . .?,  O  Lord}  I  will 

fmg  praifes  in  a  long. 

50  He  great  deliv'rance  gives  his  king: 

he  mercy  doth  ex; 
To  David,  his  anointed  one, 
and  his  feed  without  end. 

PSALM    XIX. 

There  r.re  two  excellent  book-,    which   the  ere^t   God   hath 

pffclifhed  for  the  inflrucY.or.  '  ?n  of  the  c. 

of  men,   arid  this   pfalrii  trea  reconi- 

Is  them   both  to  oar    di; 

the  creatures,   in  which    we  rr 
"     OadlVi  .   ' 

fcripturcs,  which  majves  know,  n  to  us  ih:  will  of  G 

tetriing  r>v,Y  dtrti  : 

that  book,  .    ui  how    to 

improve  it,  *erf.  iz.  13.  14. 

To  the  chief  ro,ufician,  A  pfalrii  cf  D;. 

THE  heav'ns  Geu's  git  :re: 

the  fkies  his  li;  ;ks  preach. 

2  Day  utters  fpeech  to  day,  and  i: 
to  night  dcth  knov.  ledge  teach. 

3  There 


42  J>  S  A  L  M    XIX. 

3  There  is  no  fpeech,nor  tongue,to  which 

their  voice  doth  not  extend. 
4 Their  line  is  gone  through  all  the  earth, 
their  words  to  the  world's  end. 
In  them  he  fet  the  fun  a  tent, 

5  Who  bridegroom-like  forth  goes 
From's  chamber,  as  a  ftrong  man  doth, 

to  run  his  race,  rejoice. 

6  From  heav'ns  end  is  his  going  forth, 

circling  to  th'  end  again: 
And  there  is  nothing  from  his  heat 

that  hidden  doth  remain. 
j  God's  law  is  perfect,  and  converts 

the  foul  in  fin  that  lies: 
God's  teftimony  is  moft  fure, 

and  makes  the  fimple  wife. 

8  The  ftatutes  of  the  Lord  are  right, 

and  do  rejoice  the  heart: 
The  Lord's  command  is  pure,  and  doth 
light  to  the  eyes  impart. 

9  Unfpotted  is  the  fear  of  God, 

and  doth  endure  for  ever  : 
The  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true, 
and  righteous  altogether. 
io  They  more  than  gold,  yea,  much  fine 
to  be  defired  are  :  (gold, 

Than  honey,  honey  from  the  comb 
that  droppeth,  fweeter  far. 

ii  More- 


P  S  A  L  M    XIX.  ,         43 

1 1  Moreover,  they  thy  fervant  warn 

how  he  his  life  ihould  frame : 
A  great  reward  provided  is 
for  them  that  keep  the  fame. 

12  Who  can  his  errors  underftand? 

0  cleanfe  thou  me  within 

13  From  fecret  faults.  Thy  fervant  keep 

from  all  prefumptuous  fin, 
And  do  not  fufrer  them  to  have 

dominion  over  me: 
Then  righteous  and  innocent 

1  from  much  fin  fhall  be.    (proceed, 

14  The  words  which  from  my  mouth 

the  thoughts  fent  from  my  heart, 
Accept,  O  Lord ;  for  thou  my  ftrength 
and  my  Redeemer  art. 

PSALM     XX. 

It  is  the  wilj  of  God,  that  prayers,  interceffions,  and  thanks- 
givings, fhonld  be  made  in  a  fpecial  manner,  for  kings,  and 
all  in  authority;  This  pfalmisa  prayer,  and  the  next  a 
thankigiving  for  the  king;  David  was  a  martial  prince, 
much  in  war.  Either  this  pfalm  was  penned  upon  occafion 
of  iorac  particular  expedition  of  his,  or,,  in  general,  as  a  form 
to  be  ufed  in   the  daily  fervfee  of  the  church   for  him.     In 


er  to  God  for  aadietite;  verf.  9.  In  this  David  may  well  be 
looked  upon  as  a  type  of  Chriit,  to  whole  kingdom  and  its 
Sntcrefts  among  men,  the  church  was  in  every  age  a  htfcrty 

weii-v\iiher. 

To 


44  PSALM    XX. 

To  tlic  chief  muficlan,  A  pfalm  of  Datid. 

JEHOVAH  hear  thee  in  the  day 
when  trouble  he  doth  fend : 
And  let  the  name  of  Jacob's  God 
thee  from  all  ill  defend. 
1  O  let  him  help  fend  from  above, 
out  of  his  fanctuary; 
From.  Sion  his  own  holy  hill, 
let  him  give  ftrength  to  thee. 

3  Let  him  remember  all  thy  gifts, 

accept  thy  facrifice ; 

4  Grant  thee  thine  heart's  wifh,  and  fulfil 

thy  thoughts  and  counfel  wife. 

5  In  thy  falvation  we  will  joy ; 

in  cur  God's  name  we  will 
Difplay  our  banners :  and  the  Lord 
thy  prayers  all  fulfil. 

6  Now  know  I,  God  his  king  doth  fave : 

he  from  his  holy  heav'n 
Will  hear  him,with  the  faving  (Irength 
by  his  own  right  hand  giv'n.  ' 

7  In  chariots  feme  put  confidence, 

fome  horfes  trufl:  upon  : 
But  we  remember  will  the  name 
of  our  Lord  God  alone. 

8  We  rife,  and  upright  ftand,  when  they 

are  bowed  down,  and  fall. 

9  Deliver,  Lord,  and  let  the  King 

us  hear  when  we  do  call. 


PSALM    XXI.  45 

As  the  foregoing  pfalm  \rr.s  a  prayer  for  the  Iiing,  that  God 
would  protect  and  proipcr  him  ;  £o  this  is  a  thanksgiving 
for  ihefticcefs  God  had  LLfTedhim  with,  t^tdfe  whom  ue 
have  prayed  for,  we  ought  to  jive  thanks  for,  and  pai!;i- 
cularly  for  kinrs,  in  whofc  prosperity  we  ft  a  re.  They  are 
here  taught,  (i.)  To  congratulate  his  victories,  and  the 
honour  he  had  atehieved,  verf.  I. — 6.  (z.)  To  confide  in 
the  power  of  God,  jftfr  the  completing  of  the  ruin  of  the 
enemies  of  his  kingdom,  vcif  7.— 13.  And  hi  this  there  is 
an  eye  to  the  Meifiah,  the  Prince,  and  the  glory  of  his 
kingdom  ;  for  to  him  divers  paflagej  in  thispfaim  are  rnoie 
applicable,  than  to  David  himlelf. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

THE  king  in  thy  great  ftrength,  O  Lord, 
fhall  very  joyful  be: 
In  thy  .falvation  rejoice 
how  veh'mently  fhafl  he  ? 

2  Thou  haft  beftowecl  upon  him 

all  that  his  heart  would  have, 
And  thou  from  him  didft  not  with-hold 
whatever  his  lips  did  crav  . 

3  For  thou  with  bleffingshlm prevent^ 

of  goodnefs  manifold ; 
And  thou  haft  fet  upon  his  head 
a  crown  of  pureft  gold. 

4  When  he  defired  life  of  thee, 

thou  life  to  him  didft  give; 
Ev'n  fuch  a  length  of  clays,  that  he 
for  evermore  fhould  live. 

5  In  that  iklvation  wrought  by  thee, 

his  glory  is  made  great: 
Honour  and  comely  mayfly 
thou  k-:.'t  upon  hin  (eg 

0  iJecau:- 


46  PSALM    XXI. 

6  Eccaufe  that  thou  for  evermore 

molt  bleffed  haft  him  made : 
And  thou  haft  with  thy  countenance 

made  him  exceeding  glad. 
j  Eecaufe  the  king  upon  the  Lord 

his  confidence  doth  lay, 
And,through  the  grace  of  theMoftHigh, 

fhall  not  be  mov'd  away. 

8  Thine  hand  fhall  all  thofe  men  find  out 

that  en'mies  are  to  thee, 
Ev'n  thy  right  hand  fhall  find  out  thofe 
of  thee  that  haters  be. 

9  Like  fiery  ov'n  thou  (halt  them  make, 

when  kindled  is  thine  ire: 
God  fhall  them  fwallow  in  his  wrath, 
devour  them  fhall  the  fire. 

I  o  Their  fruit  from  earth  thou  fhalt  de- 

their  feed  men  from  among,     (ftroy, 

I I  For  they,  beyond  their  might,  'gainft 
did  plot  mifchief  and  wrong,     (thee 

1 2  Thou  therefore  fhalt  make  them  turn 
when  thou  thy  fliafts  fhall  place  (back, 
Upon  thy  fixings,  made  ready  all 
to  fly  againft  their  face. 
i  3  In  thy  great  pow'r  and  flrength,  O 
be  thou  exalted  high:  (Lord, 

So  fhall  we  fing  with  joyful  hearts, 
thy  power  praiic  fhall  we. 

PSALM 


PSALM    XXII.         47 

The  fpirit  of  Chrift,  which  was  in  the  prophets,  teftines  in 
this  pfalm,  as  clearly  and  fully  as  any  where  elfe  in  all  the 
Old  Teftament,  ■  the  fuifcringsof  Chtiil,  and  the  glory 
4  that  fhould  follow,'  I  Pet.  i.  II.:  of  him,  no  doubt  David 
here  (peaks,  and  not  of  himfelf,  or  of  any  other  man. 
Much  of  it  is  exprefsiy  applied  to  Chrift  in  the  new  Tcfta- 
ment,  all  of  it  may  be  applied  to  him,  ana  fomc  of  it  muft 
be  underftood  of  him  only.  The  providences  of  God  con- 
cerning David  were  fo  very  extraordinary,  that  we  may  fnp- 
pofe  there  were  fome  wife  and  good  men,  who  then  cou 
butlookuponhimasahgureof  him  chat  was  to  come  :  but  the 
compofure  of  hispfalms  efpecia!ly,in  which  he  found  himfclf 
wonderfully  carried  out  by  the  Spirit  of  p.rophefy,  far  be- 
yond his  own  thought  and  intention,  was  (we  may  fuppofe) 
an  abundant  fat isf action  to  himfelf,  that  he  was  not  only  a 
'  father  of  the  Mefliah,  but  a  figure  of  him.  In  this  pfaim  he 
fpeaks,  (l.)  Of  the  humiliation  of  Chvifi,  verf.  I.-  -21. 
Where  David,  as  a  type  of  Chr lit,  complains  of  the  very 
xalamitous  condition  he  was  in  upon  many  accounts.  I.  He 
complains,  and  mixeth  comforts  with  his  complaints.  Com- 
plains, verf.  I.  2.:  but  comforts  himfelf,  veri.  3.  4.  5. 
Complains  again,  verf.  6.  7.  ?.\  but  comforts  himfelf 
again,  verf.  9.  10.  2.  He  complains,  and  mixeth  pray- 
ers with  his  complaints.  Complains  of  the  power  and  rage 
of  his  enemies,  verf.  12.  13.  16.  18.;  ofhn  own  bodily 
weaknefs  and  decay,  verf.  14.  15.  17.  Eut  prays  that 
God  would  not  be  far  from  him,  verf.  II.  19.;  that  he 
would  fave  and  deliver  him,  verf.  19.  20.  21.  (2.)  Of  the 
exaltation  of  Chrift,  that  his  undertaking  fhould  be  for  th« 
glory  of  God,  verf.  22.-25. 5  f°r  the  falvatiou  and  joy 
of  his  people,  verf.  26. — 29.  ;  and  for  the  perpetuating  of 
his  own  kingdom,  verf.  33.  31.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  jre 
muft  keep  our  thoughts  fixed  upon  Chrift,  and  b*  fo  af- 
fected with  his  fufferings,  as  to  experience  the  fellowfhip  of 
them  ;  and  fo  affected  with  his  grace,  as  to  experience  the 
power  and  influence  of  it. 

To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Aijeleth  Shahar,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

MY  God,  my  God,  why  haft  thou  me 
f or  lake  n  ?  why  fo  far 
Art  thou  from  helping  me,  and  from 
my  words  that  roring  are? 
2  All  day,  my  God,  to  thee  I  cry, 
yet  am  not  heard  by  thee ; 

And 


43  P  S  A  L  M    XXII. 

And  in  the  feafon  of  the  night 
I  cannot  filent  be. 

3  Eut  thou  art  holy,  thou  that  dofl 

inhabit  Ifr'el's  praife. 

4  Our  fathers  hop'd  in  thee,  theyhop'd, 

and  thou  didft  them  releafe. 

5  When  unto  thee  they  fent  their  cry, 

to  them  d  came: 

aufe  they  put  their  truft  in  thee, 
they  were  not  put  to  lhame. 

6  Eut  as  for  me,  a  worm  I  am, 

and  as  no  man  am  priz'd: 
Reproach  of  men  I  am,  and  by 
the  d  defpis'd. 

y  All  that  me  fee*,  laugh  me  to  fcorn: 
t  cut  the  lip  do  they, 
They  nod  cine:  ^eirheadsatme, 

and  mocking  thus  do  fay, 

8  This  man  did  truft  in  God,  that  he 

would  i?vcQ  him  by  his  might: 
Let  him  dc  b  he 

had  in  lit. 

9  But  t]  womb 

I  was  r  :r's  breafts, 

t  make, 
io  And  I  v..  Ly  care, 

ev'n  from  till  nc, 

And 


P  S  A  L  M    XXII.  49 

And  from  my  mother's  belly,  Lord, 
my  God  and  guide  art  thou. 

1 1  Be  not  far  off,  for  grief  is  near, 

and  none  to  help  is  found. 

12  Bulls  many  compais  me;  ftrong  bulls 

of  Bailian  me  fur  round. 

13  Their  mouths  they  op'ned  wide  on 

upon  me  gape  did  they,  (me, 

Like  to  a  lion  ravening, 
and  roring  for  his  prey. 

14  Like  water  I'm  pour'd  out,  my  bones 

all  out  of  joint  do  part: 
Amidft  my  bowels,  as  the  wax, 
fo  melted  is  my  heart. 

15  Myftrengthislikea  potfherd  dry'd: 

my  tongue  it  cleaveth  faft 
Unto  my  jaws;   and  to  the  dull 
of  death  thou  brought  me  haft. 

16  For  dogs  have  compafs'd  me  about: 

the  wicked  that  did  meet 
In  their  aflembly,  me  inclos'd; 
they  pierc'd  my  hands  and  feet. 
jy  I  all  my  bones  may  tell :  they  do 
upon  me  look  and  Rare. 

18  Upon  my  vefture  lots  they  caft, 

and  cloaths  among  them  lhare. 

19  But  be  not  far,  OLord,  myftrength; 

hade  to  give  help  to  me. 

D  20  From 


jo  P  S  A  L  M    XXII. 

20  From  fword  my  foul,  from  pow'r  of 

my  darling,  let  thou  free.       (dogs 

2 1  Out  of  the  roring  lion's  mouth 

do  thou  me  fhield  and  fave : 
For  from  the  horns  of  unicorns 
an  ear  to  me  thou  gave. 

22  1  will  fhew  forth  thy  name  unto 

thofe  that  my  brethren  are : 
Amidft  the  congregation 
thy  praife  I  will  declare. 

23  Praife  ye  the  Lord,  who  do  him  fear; 

him  glorify,  all  ye 
The  feed  of  Jacob ;  fear  him,  all 
that  Ifr'ePs  children  be. 

24  For  he  defpis'd  not,  nor  abhorr'd 

th'  affli&ed's  mifery: 
Nor  from  him  hid  his  face,  but  heard 
when  he  to  him  did  cry. 

25  Within  the  congregation  great 

my  praife  fhall  be  of  thee  : 
My  vows  before  them  that  him  fear 
fhall  be  performed  by  me. 

26  The  meek  fhall  eat,  and  fhall  befill'd; 

they  alio  praife  fhall  give 
Unto  the  Lord,  that  do  him  feek; 
your  heart  fhall  ever  live. 

27  All  ends  of  th'  earth  remember  fhall, 

and  turn  the  Lord  unto  : 

All 


P  S  A  L  M    XXII.  51 

All  kindreds  of  the  nations 
to  him  fhall  homage  do: 

28  Becaufe  the  kingdom  to  the  Lord 

doth  appertain,  as  his : 
Likewife  among  the  nations 
the  governor  he  is. 

29  Earth's  fat  ones  eat,and  worfhip  fhall: 

all  who  to  duft  defcend, 
Shall  bow  to  him  :  none  of  them  can 
his  foul  from  death  defend. 

30  A  feed  fhall  fervice  do  to  him; 

unto  the  Lord  it  fhall 
Be  for  a  generation 
reckoned  in  ages  all. 

31  They  fhall  come,  and  they  fhall  de- 

his  truth  and  righteoufnefs     (clare 
Unto  a  people  yet  unborn, 
and  that  he  hath  d&ne  this. 

PSALM     XXIIL 

Many  of  David's  pfalms  are  full  of  complaints,  but  this  is 
full  of  comforts,  and  the  exprefTIons  of  delight  in  God's 
great  goodnefs,  and  dependence  upon  him.  it  is  a  pfalm 
which  has  heen  fung  by  good  ChrifHans,  and  will  be  while 
the  world  (lands,  with  a  great  deal  of  pleafure  and  fatisfac- 
tion.  (I.)  The  pfalmifl  here  claims  relation  to  God  as  his 
fhepherd,  verf.  I.  (2.)  He  recounts  his  experience  of  the 
kind  things  God  hath  done  for  him,  as  his  ihepheid,  verf. 
2'  2' 5'  (3.)  From  hence  he  infers,  that  he  mould  want  no 
good,  veriei.;  that  he  needed  to  fear  no  evil,  verf.  4,; 
that  he  would  never  leave  or  forfakc  him  in  a  way  of  mercy  ; 
and  therefore  he  refolves  never  to  leave  or  forfake  God  in  a. 
way  of  duty,  verf.  6.  And  in  this  certainly  he  has  an  eye, 
not  only  to  the  blcflings  of  God's  providence,  which  made 
his  outward  condition  profperous,  but  to  the  communicati- 
D  7,  ons 


52         PSALM    XXIII. 

ons  of  God's  grace,  received  by  a  lively  faith,  and  returned 
in  a  warm  devotion,  which  fills  his  ionl  with  joy  unfpeaka- 
ble.  And,  as  in  the  foreeoing  pfalm,  he  reprefented  Chrift 
flying  for  his  fheep,  fo  here  he  reprel'ents  Chriftians  receiv- 
ing the  benefit  of  all  the  care  and  tendernefs  of  that  great 
and  good  lhephcrd. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

THE  Lord's  my  fhepherd,  Til  not  want. 

2  He  makes  me  down  to  lie 

In  paftures  greeji :  he  leadeth  me 
the  quiet  waters  by. 

3  My  foul  he  doth  reftore  again; 

and  me  to  walk  doth  make 
Within  the  paths  of  righteoufnefs, 
ev'n  for  his  own  name's  fake. 

4  Yea,  though  I  walk  in  death's  dark  vale, 

yet  will  I  fear  none  ill : 
For  thou  art  with  me,  and  thy  rod 
and  ftafF  me  comfort  ftill. 

5  My  table  thou  haft  furnifhed, 

in  prefence  of  my  foes : 
My  head  thou  doft  with  oil  anoint, 
and  my  cup  overflows. 

6  Goodnefs  and  mercy  all  my  life 

fhall  furely  follow  me : 
And  in  God's  houfe  for  evermore 
my  dwelling-place  fhall  be. 

PSALM    XXIV. 

This  pfalm  is  concerning  the  kingdom  of  JefusChrifl  :  (i.)  His 
providential  kingdom,  by  which  lie  rules  the  world,  verf. 
I.  j.     '(%.)  The  kingdom  of  his  grace,  by  which  he  rules  in 

his 


P  S  A  L  M    XXIV.        53 

his  church.  I.  Concerning  the  fur>je£ts  of  that  kingdom, 
their  character,  verf.  4.  5.  7.  their  charter,  verf.  5.  2.  Con- 
cerning the  K->c  of  that  kingdom;  and  a  fummonsto  all 
to  give  him  ad  million,  verf.  7.  8.  9.  ic.  It  is  fuppofed,  that 
the  pfalm  was  penned  upon  occafion  of  David's  bringing  up 
the  ark  to  the  place  prepared  for  it  :  and  the  intention  of 
it  was,  to  lead  the  people  above  the  pomp  of  external  cere- 
monies to  a  holy  life,  and  faith  in  Chrifl:,  of  whom  the  ark 
was  a  type. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

THE  earth  belongs  unto  the  Lord, 
and  all  that  it  contains  \ 
The  world  that  is  inhabited, 
and  all  that  there  remains. 

2  For  the  foundations  thereof 

he  on  the  feas  did  lay, 
And  he  hath  it  eftablifhed 
upon  the  floods  to  ftay. 

3  Who  is  the  man  that  fhall  afcend 

into  the  hill  of  God  ? 
Or  who  within  his  holy  place 
fhall  have  a  firm  abode? 

4  "Whofe  hands  are  clean,  whofe  heart  is 

and  unto  vanity  (pure, 

Who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  foul, 
nor  (worn  deceitfully. 

5  He  from  th'  Eternal  fhall  receive 

the  blefling  him  upon, 
And  righteouihefs,  ev'n  from  the  God 
of  his  falvation. 

6  This  is  the  generation 

that  after  him  enquire, 

O  Jacob, 


54        P  S  A  L  M    XXIV. 

O  Jacob,  who  do  feek  thy  face 
with  their  whole  hearts  defire. 

7  Ye  gates,  lift  up  your  heads  on  high, 

ye  doors  that  lad  for  ay, 
Be  lifted  up,  that  fo  the  King 
of  glory  enter  may. 

8  But  who  of  glory  is  the  King  ? 

the  mighty  Lord  is  this., 
Ev'n  that  fame  Lord,  that  great  in  might 
and  ftrong  in  battle  is. 

9  Ye  gates,  lift  up  your  heads,  ye  doors, 

doors  that  do  laft  for  ay, 
Be  lifted  up,  that  fo  the  King 
of  glory  enter  may. 
io  But  who  is  he  that  is  the  King 
of  glory  ?  who  is  this  ? 
The  Lord  of  hofts,  and  none  but  he, 
the  King  of  glory  is. 

PSALM    XXV. 

Tliis  pfalm  is  full  of  devout  affection  to  God:  the  outgoings 
of  holy  defires  towards  his  favour  and  grace,  and  the  lively 
actings  of  faith  in  his  promifes.  We  may  learn  out  of  it, 
(i.)  What  it  is  to  pray,  verf.  I.  15.  (2.)  What  we  muir. 
pray  for;  the  pardon  of  fin,  verf.  6.  7.  18.;  direction  in 
the  way  of  duty,  verf.  4.  5.;  the  favour  of  God,  verf.  16.; 
deliverance  out  of  our  troubles,  verf.  17.  18.;  prefervation 
from  our  enemies,  verf.  20.  £1.5  and  the  falvation  of  the 
church  of  God,  verf.  22.  (3.)  What  we  may  plead  in  pray- 
er;  our  confidence  in  God,  verf.  2.  3.  5.  20.  21.;  our 
diftrefs,  and  the  malice  of  our  enemies,  verf.  17.  19.;  our 
fincerity,  verf.  21.  (4.)  What  precious  promifes  we  have  to 
encourage  us  in  prayer;  of  guidance  and  initruclion,  verf. 
8.  9.  12.;  the  benefit  of  the  covenant,  verf.  10.;  and  the 
pleafure  of  communion  with  God,  verf.  13.  14.  It  is  cafy 

to 


PSALM    XXV.         ss 

to  apply  the  fevcral  pafTages  of  thispfalmtoourfelves  in  the 
finiring  of  it;  for  we  have  often  troubles,  and  always  fins 
to  complain  of  at  the    throne  of  grace. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

TO  thee  I  lift  my  foal. 
%  O  Lord,  I  truft  in  thee: 
My  God,  let  me  not  be  aiham'd, 
nor  foes  triumph  o'er  me. 

3  Let  none  that  wait  on  thee 

Be  put  to  fhame  at  all ; 
But  thofe  that  without  caufe  tranfgrefr, 
let  (hame  upon  them   fall. 

4  Shew  me  thy  ways,  O  Lord; 

thy  paths,  O  teach  thou  me: 
J  And  do  thou  lead  me  in  thy  truth, 
therein  my  teacher   be  : 
For  thou  art  God  that  dofl 

to  me  falvation  fend, 
And  I  upon  thee  all  the  day 
expecting,  do  attend. 

6  Thy  tender  mercies,   Lord, 

I  pray  thee  to  remember, 
And  loving  kindnefTes  :   for  they 
have  been  of  old  for  ever. 

7  My  fins  and  fauits  of  youth 

do  thou,  O   Lord,  forget; 
After  thy  mercy  think  on  me, 
And  for  thy  goodnefs  great. 

5  God  good  and  upright  is: 

the  way  he'll  Tinners  (how. 

9  The  meek  in  judgment  he  will  guide, 

and  make  his  path  to  knew. 

10  The  whole  paths  of  the  Lord 

are  truth  and   mercy  fure, 
To  thofe  that  do  his  cov'nant  keep, 
and  teftimonies  pure. 

11  Now  for  thine  own  name's  fake, 

O   Lord  I  thee  intreat 
To  pardon   mine  iniquity; 
for  it  is  very  great. 

12  What  man  is  he  that  fears 

the  Lord,  and  doth  him  ferve  ? 
Him  (hall  he  teach  the  way  that  he 
fhall  choofe  and  (till  obferve* 
Ij  His  foul  (hall  dwell  at  eafe, 
and  his  pofterity 
Shall     flourifh  Hill,  and  of  thjB  earth 
inheritors  (hall  be, 

14  With 


56 


PSALM    XXV. 


14  With   thofe  that  fear  him   is 

the  ftcrct  of  the  Lord: 
The  knowledge  of  his  covenant 
he  will   to   them   afford. 

15  Mine  eyes  upon  the  Lord 

continually  are  fet : 
For  he  it  is  that  fhall  bring  forth 

my   feet  out  of  the  net. 
J 6  Turn  unto  me  thy  face, 

and  to  me  mercy  mow: 
Becaufe  that   I  am   defolate, 

And  am   brought  very  low. 

17  My  heart's  griefs  are  increas'd, 

me  from  dilrrefs  relieve. 

18  See  mine  affliction,  and  my  pain, 

and  all  my   fins  forgive. 

19  Confider  thou  my  foes, 

becaufe  they  many  are, 
And  it  a  cruel  hatred  is 

which  they  againft  me  bear. 

20  O  do  thou  keep  my  foul, 

do  thou  deliver  me; 
And  let  me  nerer  be  afham'd, 
becaufe  I  truft  in  thee. 

21  Let  upriihtnefs  and  truth 

keep  me,   who  thee  attend. 

22  Redemption,  Lord,  to   Ifrad 

from  all  his  troubles  fend. 

Another  of  the  fame. 

TO  thee  I  lift  my  foul,  O  Lord : 
2  My  God,  I  truft  in  thee : 
Let  me  not  be  alham'd;  let  not 
my  foes  triumph  o'er  me. 

3  Yea,  let  thou  none  afhamed  be 

that  do  on  thee  attend : 
Afhamed  let  them  be,  O  Lord, 
who  without  caufe  offend. 

4  Thy  ways,  Lord,  fhew;  teach  me  thy 

5  Lead  me  in  truth,  teach  me ;     (paths. 

For 


PSALM    XXV.  57 

For  of  my  fafcty  thou  art  God, 
all  day  I  wait  on  thee. 

6  Thy  mercies  that  moll  tender  are, 

do  thou,  O  Lord,  remember, 
And  loving-kindnefles:  for  they 
have  been  of  old  for  ever. 

7  Let  not  the  errors  of  my  youth, 

nor  fins  remembered  be: 
In  mercy,  for  thy  goodnefs  fake* 

0  Lord,  remember  me. 

8  The  Lord  is  good  and  gracious, 

he  upright  is  alio  : 
He  therefore  finners  will  inftruct 
in  ways  that  they  fhould  go. 

9  The  meek  and  lowly  he  will  guide 

in  judgment  juft  alway  : 
To  meek  and  poor  afflicted  ones 
he'll  clearly  teach  his  way, 

I  o  The  whole  paths  of  the  Lord  our  God 

are  truth  and  mercy  furc, 
To  fuch  as  keep  his  covenant, 
and  teftimonies  pure. 

I I  Now  for  thine  own  name's  fake,  O 

1  humbly  thee  intreat  (Lord, 
To  pardon  mine  iniquity: 

for  it  is  very  great. 
1 2  What  man  fears  God  ?  him  fhall  he 
the  way  that  he  fhall  choofe.     (teach 

13  His 


5S  PSALM    XXV. 

13  His  foul  fhall  dwell  at  eafe,  his  feed 

the  earth,  as  heirs,  fhall  life. 

1 4  The  fecret  of  the  Lord  is  with 

fuch  as  do  fear  his  name, 
And  he  his  holy  covenant 
will  manifeft  to  them. 

15  Towards  the  Lord  my  waiting  eyes 

continually  are  let : 
For  he  it  is  that  fhall  bring  forth 
my  feet  out  of  the  net. 

16  O  turn  thee  unto  me,  O  God, 

have  mercy  me  upon : 
Becaufe  I  folitary  am, 
and  in  affliction. 

17  Enlarged  the  griefs  are  of  mine  heart: 

me  from  diftrefs  relieve. 

18  See  mine  affli&ion  and  my  pain, 

and  all  my  fins  forgive. 

19  Confider  thou  mine  enemies, 

becaufe  they  many  are, 
And  it  a  cruel  hatred  is, 
which  they  againft  me  bear. 

20  O  do  thou  keep  my  foul,  O  God> 

do  thou  deliver  me : 
Let  me  not  be  afham'd ;  for  I 
do  put  my  truft  in  thee. 

21  O  let  integrity  and  truth 

keep  me,  who  thee  attend. 

22  Re- 


PSALM    XXVI.         59 

22  Redemption,  Lord,  to  Ifrael 
from  all  his  troubles  fend. 

PSALM    XXVI. 

Holy  David  is  in  this  pfalm  putting  himfelf  upo:i  a  folemn 
trial,  not  by  God  and  his  country  :  but  by  God  and  his 
own  confcience,  to  bo:h  which  he  appeals  touching  his  in- 
tegrity, verf.  I.  2  And  for  the  p. oof  of  it  : 
(I.)  His  conftant  regard  to  God  and  his  grace,  verf.  3.  (3.) 
His  rooted  antipathy  to  fin  and  fmners,  vcrf.  4.  5.  (-3.) 
His  fincerc  afreccion  to  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  his  care 
abeutthem,  verf.  6.  7.  3.  Having  thus  proved  his  integri- 
ty, (i)  He  depn  im  o:  the  wicked,  verf.  9.  10. 
(z.)  He  cafts  himfelf  upon  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God, 
with  a  refuiution  to  held  fart  his  integrity  and  his  hope  in 
God,  verf.  II.  12.  In  Zinging  this  pfalm,  we  mud  teach 
and  admonih  ovtrfeUes  aid  one  another,  what  we  muftbe 
and  do,  that  we  may  have  the  favour  of  God,  and  comfort 
in  our  own  confcicnccs;  and  comfort  ourfelves  with  it  as 
David  doth,  if  we  can  fay,  that  in  any  meafure  we  have 
through  grace  anfwered  thefe  characters.  The  learned  A- 
myraldus,  in  his  argument  of  this  pfalm,  fuggcrts,  that  Da- 
vid is  here,  by  the  fpirit  of  prophefy,  carried  out  to  fpeak  of 
himfelf  as  a  type  of  Chrift,  of  whom  what  he  here  faith  of 
his  fpotlefs  jnnocency  was  fully  and  eminently  true,  and  of 
him  only,  and  to  him  we  may  apply  it  in  tinging  this  pfalm. 
'  We  are  complete  in  him.1 

A  ffalm  of  David. 

JUDGE  me,  O  Lord,  for  I  have  walk'd 
^in  mine  integrity: 
I  trulled  alio  in  the  Lord; 
Aide  therefore  ihall  not  I. 

2  Examine  me,  and  do  me  prove; 

try  heart  and  reins,  O  God. 

3  For  thy  love  is  before  mine  eyes, 

thy  truth's  paths  I  have  trode. 

4  With  perfons  vain  I  have  not  fat, 

nor  with  diflemblers  gone, 

5  TO 


60        PSA  L  M    XXVI. 

5  TV  aflembly  of  ill  men  I  hale; 

to  fit  with  fuch  I  fliun. 

6  Mine  hands  in  innocence,  O  Lord, 

I'll  wafli  and  purify: 
So  to  thine  holy  altar  go, 
and  compafs  it  will  I. 

7  That  I,  with  voice  of  thankfgiving, 

may  publilh  and  declare, 
And  tell  of  all  thy  mighty  works 
that  great  and  wondrous  are. 

8  The  habitation  of  thy  houfe, 

Lord,  I  have  loved  well ; 
Yea,  in  that  place  I  do  delight, 
where  doth  thine  honour  dwell. 

9  With  finners  gather  not  my  foul, 

and  fuch  as  blood  would  fpill : 

I  oWhofe  hands  mifchievous  plots,  right 

corrupting  bribes  do  fill.       (hand 

I I  But  as  for  me,  I  will  walk  on 

in  mine  integrity: 
Do  thou  redeem  me,  and,  O  Lord, 
be  merciful  to  me. 
1 2  My  foot  upon  an  even  place 
doth  ftand  with  ftedfaftnefs : 
Within  the  congregations 
th'  Eternal  I  will  bleft. 

PSALM 


PSALM    XXVII.         6 1 

6ome  think  David  penned  this  pfalm  before  his  coming  to  the 
throne,  when  lie  was  in  the  midft  of  his  troubles,  and  per- 
haps upon  occafion  of  the  death  of  his  parent?;  but  the 
Jews  think  he  penned  it  when  he  was  old,  upon  occafion  of 
that  wonderful  deliverance  he  had  from  \\\z  (word  of  the 
giant,  when  Abifhai  fuccourcd  him,  2  Sam.  >;xi.  16.  17.; 
and  his  people  thereupon  refolved  he  fnoukl  never  >. 
his  life  agaiD  in  battle,  kit  he  ihcul.*]  quench  the  light  of 
Ifrael.  Perhaps  it  was  not  penned  upon  any  particular  oc- 
cafion, hut  it  is  very  exprelfive  of  the  pious  and  devout  af- 
fections with  which  gracious  fouls  are  canied  out  towards 
God  at  all  times,  efpecially  in  times  of  trouble.  Here  is, 
(i.)  The  courage  and  holy  bravery  of  his  faith,  verf.  I.  z. 
3.  (2.)  The  complacency  he  took  in  communion  with  God, 
and  the  benefit  he  experienced  by  it,  verf.  4.  5.  6.  (3.) 
Jiis  defire  towards  God,  and  his  favour  and  grace,  verf.  7. 
3.  9.  II.  12.  (4.)  His  expectations  from  God,  and  the 
encouragement  he  gives  to  others  to  hope  in  him,  verf.  10. 
23.  14.  And  let  our  hearts  be  thus  affected  in  finging  this 
pfalm. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

THE  Lord's  my  light  and  faving  health, 
who  lhall  make  me  difmay'd? 
My  life's  ftrength  is  the  Lord,  of  whom 
then  lhall  I  be  afraid? 

2  When  as  mine  enemies  and  foes, 

moft  wicked  perfons  all, 
To  eat  my  fiefh  againft  me  rofe, 
they  Humbled  and  did  fall. 

3  Againft  me  though  an  hoft  encamp, 

my  heart  yet  fearlefs  is  : 
Though  war  againft  me  rife,  I  will 
be  confident  in  this. 

4  One  thing  I  of  the  Lord  defir'd, 

and  will  feek  to  obtain, 

That 


62         PSALM    XXVII. 

That  all  days  of  my  life  I  may 
within  God's  houfe  remain, 

That  I  the  beauty  of  the  Lord 
behold  may  and  admire, 

And  that  I  in  his  holy  place 
may  reverently  enquire. 

5  For  he  in  his  pavilion  fhall 

me  hide  in  evil  days : 
In  fecret  of  his  tent  me  hide, 
and  on  a  rock  me  raife. 

6  And  now,  ev'n  at  this  prefent  time, 

mine  head  {hall  lifted  be 
Above  all  thofe  that  are  my  foes, 

and  round  encompafs  me: 
Therefore  unto  his  tabernacle 

I'll  facrifices  bring 
Of  joyfulnefs,  HI  fing,  yea,  I 

to  God  will  praifes  fing. 

7  O  Lord,  give  ear  unto  my  voice, 

when  I  do  cry  to  thee: 
Upon  me  alfo  mercy  have, 
and  do  thou  anfwer  me. 

8  When  thou  didll  fay,  Seek  ye  my  face, 

then  unto  thee  reply 
i  Thus  did  my  heart,  Above  all  things 
thy  face,  Lord,  feek  will  I. 

9  Far  from  me  hide  not  thou  thy  face, 

put  not  away  from  thee 

Thy 


PSALM    XXVII.         6y 

Thy  fervant  in  thy  wrath:  thou  haft 

an  helper  been  to  me. 
O  God  of  my  falvation 

leave  me  not,  nor  forfake. 

10  Though  me  my  parents  both  fhould 

the  Lord  will  me  up  take,     (leave, 

1 1  0  Lord,  inftruft  me  in  thy  way, 

to  me  a  leader  be 
In  a  plain  path,  becaufe  of  thofe 
that  hatred  bear  to  me. 

1 2  Give  me  not  to  mine  en'mies  wTill ; 

for  witnefles  that  lie, 
Againft  me  rifen  are,  and  fuch 
as  breathe  out  cruelty. 

13  I  fainted  had,  unlefs  that  I 

believed  had  to  fee 
The  Lord's  own  goodnefs  in  the  land 
of  them  that  living  be. 

1 4  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  be  thou  ftrong, 

and  he  fhall  ftrength  afford 
Unto  thine  heart,  yea,  do  thou  wait, 
I  fay,  upon  the  Lord. 

P  S  A  L  M    XXVIII. 

The  former  part  of  this  pfalm  is  the  prayer  of  a  faint  mili- 
tant, and  now  in  diftreis,  verf.  1.  2.  3.;  to  which  is  added 
the  doom  of  God's  implacable  enemies,  vcrf.  4.  5.  The 
latter  part  of  the  pfaimis  the  thanksgiving  of  a  faint-trium- 
phant, and  delivered  out  of  his  diltrefTes,  verf.  6.  7.  8.; 
to  which  is  added  a  prophetical  prayer  for  all  God's  faith- 
ful loyal  fubjects,  vcrf.  9.  So  that  it  is  hard  to  fay  which 
•f  thefe  two  conditions   David  was  in   when  he  penned  it. 

Some 


64         PSALM    XXVIII. 

Some  think  he  was  now  in  trouble  fetking  God,  hut  at  the 
fame  time  preparing  to  piaife  him  for  his  deliverance,  and 
by  faith  giving  him  thanks  (or  it,  before  it  was  wrought. 
Others  think  bfc  was  row  in  triumph,  hut  remembered  and 
recorded,  tor  his  own  and  others  benefit,  the  prayers  he 
made  when  he  was  in  affliction,  that  the  mercy  might  reliih 
the  better,  when  it  appeared  to  be  an  aniwer  to  them. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

TO  thee  I'll  cry,  O  Lord,  my  rock, 
hold  not  thy  peace  to  me: 
Left,  like  thofe  that  to  pit  defcend, 
I  by  thy  filence  be. 

2  The  voice  hear  of  my  humble  pray  'rs, 

when  unto  thee  I  cry: 
When  to  thy  holy  oracle 
I  lift  mine  hands  on  hio;h. 

3  With  ill  men  draw  me  not  away, 

that  work  iniquity : 
That  fpeak  peace  to  their  friends,while  in _ 
their  hearts  doth  mifchief  lie. 

4  Give  them  according  to  their  deeds, 

and  ills  endeavoured : 
And  as  their  handy-works  deferve, 
to  them  be  rendered. 

5  God  ihall  not  build,  but  them  deftroy, 

who 'would  not  underftand 
The  Lord's  own  works,  nor  did  regard 
the  doing  of  his  hand. 

6  For  ever  Welled  be  the  Lord; 

for  gracioufly  he  heard 

The 


PSALM    XXVIII.         6s 

The  voice  of  my  petitions, 
and  prayers  did  regard. 

7  The  Lord's  my  ftrength  and  ftiield,  my 

upon  him  did  rely,  (heart 

And  I  am  helped;  hence  my  heart 

doth  joy  exceedingly; 
And  with  my  fong  I  will  him  praife* 

8  Their  ftrength  is  God  alone: 
He  alfo  is  the  faving  ftrength 

of  his  anointed  One. 

9  O  thine  own  people  do  thou  fave, 

blefs  thine  inheritance : 
Them  alfo  do  thou  feed,  and  them 
for  evermore  advance. 

PSALM    XXIX. 

It  is  the  probable  conjecture  of  fome  very  gcod  interpreters, 
that  David  penned  this  pfalm  upon  cecafion,  and  juft  at  the 
time  of  a  great  ftorm  of  thunder,  lightening,  and  rain  ;  as 
the  eighth  pfalm  was  his  meditation  in  a  moon -thine  night, 
and  the  nineteenth  in  a  iun-fhine  morning.  It  is  good  to 
take  occafion  from  the  fcnfible  operations  of  God's  power 
in  the  kingdom  of  natine,  to  give  glory  to  him.  So  ccm- 
pofed  was  David,  and  fo  cheerful  even  in  a  dreadful  tern- 
peft,  when  others  trembled,  that  then  hepenned  this  pfalm; 
for  ,  though  the  earth  be  removed,  yet  will  we  not  fear.' 
(i.)  He  calls  upon  the  great  ones  of  the  world  to  give  glory 
to  God,  verf.  I.  2.  (2.)  To  convince  them  of  the  great- 
r.efs  of  that  God,  whom  they  were  to  adore,  he  takes  no- 
tice of  his  power  and  terror  in  the  thunder  and  lightning, 
and  thunder-fhowers,  verf.  3.  4.  5.  6.;  his  fovereign  do- 
minion over  the  world,  verf.  10.;  and  his  ipecial  favour  to 
his  church,  verf.  II.  Great  and  high  thoughts  of  God 
thould  fill  us  ia  finging  this  pfalm. 

E  A  pfalm 


P  S  A  L  M    XXIX. 

A  r  .\M. 

GIVE  ye  unto  the  Lord,  ye  fons 
it  of  the  mighty  be, 
All  ftrength  and  glory  to  the  Lord 
with  cheerfulness  give  ye. 
2,  Unto  the  Lord  the  glory  give 
that  to  his  name  is  due; 
Mxd  in  the  beauty  of  holinefs 
unto  Jehovah  bov%*. 

3  The  Lord's  voice  on  the  waters  is : 

the  Gcd  of  majefi 
Doth  thunder,  and  on  multitudes 
of  waters  fitteth  he. 

4  A  powerful  voice  it  is  that  comes 

out  from  the  Lord  moil  high : 
The  voice  of  that  great  Lord  is  full 
of  glorious  majefly- 

5  The  voice  of  the  Lternal  doth 

aiunder  cedars  tear: 
Yea-.  God  the  Lord  doth  cedars  break 
it  Lebanon  doth  bear. 

6  He  makes  thern  like  a  calf  to  fkip : 

ev'n  that  great  Lebanon, 
And  like  to  a  young  unicorn 
Sirion. 

7  (  jice  divides  the  flames  of  fire: 

8  1  [f  doth  ihake: 

The 


PSALM    XXX.  67 

The  Lord  doth  make  the  wildernels 

of  Kadefh  all  to  quake. 
9  God's  voice  doth  make  the  hinds  to 

it  makes  the  forefts  bare :      (calve ; 
And  in  his  temple  ev'ry  one 

his  glory  doth  declare. 

I  o  The  Lord  fits  on  the  floods :  the  Lord 

fits  King,  and  ever  fhall. 

I I  TheLord  will  give  his  people  ftrength 

and  with  peace  bleis  them  all. 

P  S  A  L  M    XXX. 

This  ii  a  pfalm  of  thanksgiving   for   the   great  delireranres 

cb  God  had  wrought  for  David,   penned   upon  ceeahen 
of  the  dedicating   of  his   houfe  of  ceda. 

tj,  though  there  is  not  any  t:  that 

has  particular  to  that  occafion.     Some   collect, 

from  divers  pallaces  in  the  pfalm  i  -  it  was  pen- 

upon    hi.-  .V,  which 

efit  happen  -  tioti  cf  his 

!  -d  for  the  deliverances  he 
hid  wrought  for  him  verf.  1.  :  \  \  He  ....  /pon 
others  to  p.-aiie  him  too,   ai  jefh  them  Bo  tmft  in 

him,  veil'.  4.   5 

fecurity,  verf.  6.   7.     (4.]   He    r  ::d 

complaints   he  had  made  in    his   difrreis,  verf.   8.   9.   le- 
an.'. nlejf-tp.be  vs.  i  to  God 
the  prellnt  comfortable  change,  verf.    11.    12.      in  »ng- 
g  this  p la i m . we  oue h c  to  re m e n . 
like  deliverance                    for  as,   for  which 
ourfelves  to  praife  him, and  by  which  \ 
depend  upon  him, 
A  pfalm  and  fong,  a:   I                                      bOBfe?of  David. 

LORD,  I  will  thee  extol,  for  thou 
haft  lifted  me  on  high, 
And  over  me  thou  to  rejoice 
mad'dft  not  mine  enemv, 

E  2  2  O  thou 


68  PSALM    XXX. 

2  O  thou  who  art  the  Lord  my  God, 

I  in  diftrefs  to  thee 
With  loud  cries  lifted  up  my  voice, 
and  thou  hall  healed  me. 

3  O  Lord,  my  foul  thou  haft  brought  up, 

and  relcu'd  from  the  grave : 
That  I  to  pit  fhould  not  go  down, 
alive  thou  didft  me  fave. 

4  O  ye  that  are  his  holy  ones, 

fing  praife  unto  the  Lord  : 
And  give  unto  him  thanks,  when  you 
his  holinefs  record. 

5  For  but  a  moment  lads  his  wrath; 

life  in  his  favour  lies : 
Weeping  may  for  a  night  endure, 
at  morn  doth  joy  arife. 

6  In  my  profperity,  I  faid, 

that  nothing  fhall  me  move. 
j  O  Lord,  thou  haft  my  mountain  made 
to  ftand  ftrong  by  thy  love : 
But  when  that  thou,  O  gracious  God, 

didft  hide  thy  face  from  me, 
Then  quickly  wasmyprofp'rous  ftate 
turn'd  into  mifery. 
8  Wherefore  unto  the  Lord  my  cry 
I  caufed  to  afcend: 
My  humble  fupplication 
I  to  the  Lord  did  fend. 

9  What 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXI.         69 

9  What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood, 

when  I  go  down  to  pit? 
Shall  unto  thee  the  duft  give  praife  ? 
thy  truth  declare  fhall  it  ?      (Lord, 

10  Hear,  Lord,  have  mercy,  help  me, 

1 1  Thou  turned  haft  my  fadnefs 
Todancing;  yea,  my  fackcloth loosed 

and  girded  me  with  gladnefs : 

12  That  fmg  thy  praife  my  glory  may, 

and  never  iilent  be: 
O  Lord  my  God,  for  evermore 
I  will  give  thanks  to  thee, 

P  S  A  L  M    XXXI. 

It  is  probable 

.     arly 
to  the  fair  eicape  he  hi :  :  ;.  and 

M 
fide  of  the  hill,  and  he  on  the  other,  and  icon  after  in  the 
cave:.  lernefs  of  En-gedi; 

upon  any  of  thefeocca: 

ture  of  prayers  and  praifes,  and    proftffions  of  co:  . 
in  God,  all  which  do  m 
another.     -l.     I 

and  in  that con6Jence  prays  ford;, 
preic.  1  — 8.      [%.]    He  complains      :   -    e 

very  dcplcrabie  condition  he  was  in,  and  in  th; 
calamities,  ftill  pray>  that  God  would  gfa 
him    againft    his    perfcc-Jtors,  v:.rf.  9.   18.        :.;   Ife 
eludes  the  pfalm  with  praife  and  ti 

and  encouraging  himitif  and  ethers   to  tnlfl  i 
verf.  19.-24. 

To  t  1  A   z (a '. m   C :  I  a 

|N  thee,  O  Lord,  I  put  my  irtifft 
J.     fham'd  let  me  never  be: 

Accord 


70        PSALM    XXXI. 

According  to  thy  righteoufnefs, 
do  thou  deliver  me. 

2  Bow  down  thine  ear  tome  with fpeed, 

fend  me  deliverance : 
To  fave  me,  my  ftrong  rock  be  thou, 
and  my  houfe  of  defence. 

3  Becaufe  thou  art  my  rock,  and  thee 

I  for  my  fortrefs  take : 
Therefore  do  thou  me  lead  and  guide, 
ev'n  for  thine  own  name's  fake. 

4  And  fith  thou  art  my  ftrength,  there- 

pull  me  out  of  the  net,  (fore 

Which  they  in  fubtilty  for  me 
fo  privily  have  fet. 

5  Into  thine  hands,  I  do  commit 

my  fp'rit :  for  thou  art  he, 
O  thou  Jehovah,  God  of  truth, 
that  haft  redeemed  me. 

6  Thofe  that  do  lying  vanities 

regard,  I  have  abhorr'd : 
But  as  for  me,  my  confidence 
is  fixed  on  the  Lord. 
j  I'll  in  thy  mercy  gladly  joy : 
for  thou  my  miferies 
Confider'd  hall;  thou  haft  my  foul 
known  in  adverfities: 
8  And  thou  haft  not  inclofed  me 
within  the  en'mv's  hand; 

And 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXI.         71 

And  by  thee  have  my  feet  been  made 
in  a  large  room  to  ftand. 

9  O  Lord,  upon  me  mercy  have, 

for  trouble  is  on  me: 
Mine  eye,  my  belly,  and  my  foul 
with  grief  confumed  be. 

10  Becaufe  my  life  with  grief  is  fpent, 

my  years  with  fighs  and  groans : 
My  ftrength  doth  fail ;  and  for  my  fin 
confumed  are  my  bones. 
ill  was  a  fcorn  to  all  my  foes, 
and  to  my  friends  a  fear; 
And  fpecially  reproach'd  of  thofe 
that  were  my  neighbours  near  : 
When  they  me  faw,  they  from  me  fled. 

12  Ev'n  fo  I  am  forgot, 

As  men  are  out  of  mind  when  dead: 
I'm  like  a  broken  pot. 

13  For  (landers  I  of  many  heard, 

fear  compafs'd  me,  while  they 
Againft  me  did  confult  and  plot, 
to  take  my  life  away. 

14  But  aB  for  me,  O  Lord,  my  truft 

upon  thee  I  did  lay: 
And  I  to  thee,  Thou  art  my  God, 
did  confidently  fay. 

15  My  times  are  wholly  in  thine  hand: 

do  thou  deliver  me 

From 


72        PSALM    XXXI. 

From  their  hands,  that  mine  enemiea 
and  persecutors  be. 

1 6  Thy  countenance  to  fhine  do  thou 

upon  thy  fervant  make: 
Unto  me  give  falvation, 
for  thy  great  mercies  fake. 

17  Let  me  not  be  afham'd,  O  Lord, 

for  on  thee  call'd  I  have: 
Let  wicked  men  be  fham'd,  let  them 
be  filent  in  the  grave. 

1 8  To  filence  put  the  lying  lips, 

that  grievous  things  do  fay, 
And  hard  reports,  in  pride  and  fcorn, 
on  righteous  men  dolay.       (them 

19  How  great's  the  goodnefs  thou  for 

that  fear  thee  keep'ft  in  ftore ; 
And  wrought'!!:  for  them  that  truft  in 
the  fons  of  men  before !         (thee 
so  In  fecret  of  thy  prefence,  thou 

fhalt  hide  them  from  man's  pride : 
From  ftrife  of  tongues  thou  clofely  fhalt 
as  in  a  tent  them  hide. 

21  All  praife  and  thanks  be  to  the  Lord: 

for  he  hath  magnify'd 
His  wondrous  love  to  me,  within 
a  city  fortify'd. 

22  For  from  thine  eyes  cut  off  I  am, 

(I  in  my  hafte  had  faid,) 

My 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXII.         73 

I\  I y  voice  yet  heard'ft  thou,  when  to  thee, 
with  cries,  my  moan  I  made. 

23  O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  faints: 

becaufe  the  Lord  doth  guard 
The  faithful,  and  he  plenteoufly 
proud  doers  doth  reward. 

24  Be  of  good  courage,  and  he  ftrength 

unto  your  heart  (hall  fend, 
All  ye  whofe  hope  and  confidence 
doth  on  the  Lord  depend. 

P  S  A  L  M    XXXII. 

This  pfalm,  though  it  fpeak  not  of  Chrift,  as  many  of  the 
pfalms  hitherto  we  have  met  with  have  done,  yet  it  has  a 
great  deal  of  gofpcl  in  it.  the  apoftle  tells  us,  that  David 
in  this  pfalm  defences  ,  the  bleilednefs  of  the  man  unto 
c  whom  God  imputeth  righteoufnefs  without  works,'  Ro .n . 
iv.  6.  We  have  here  a  turn  man*,  (1.)  Of  gofpei-grace,  in 
the  pardon  of  f:n,  ver£  I.  Z.;  in  devine  protection,  verf.  7.: 
and  devine  conduct,  verf.  S.  (3.)  Of  gofpelduty;  to  ccu- 
icisfin,  verf.  3.  4-5-;  to  pray,  verfe  6.;  to  govern  our- 
ieives  well,  verf.  9.  10.  ;  and  to  rejoice  in  God,  verf.  II. 
And  the  way  to  obtain  theie  privileges,  is  to  make  con- 
{clencc  of  thefc  du'ics,  which  we  ought  to  think  of;  of  the 
former  for  our  comfort,  of  the  latttr  for  our  quickening, 
when   wefmgthis  pfalm.     Grotius  thinks  it  was  defigncd 

-    to  be  fang  on  the  day  of  atonement. 

A  pf.ilm  of  David,  Mafchil. 

OBleffed  is  the  man,  to  whom    f  £ 
is  freely  pardoned 
All  the  tranigreffion  he  hath  done, 
whofe  fin  is  covered. 
2  Blefs'd  is  the  man,  to  whom  the  Lord 
imputeth  not  his  fin. 

And 


74        PSALM    XXXII. 

And  in  whofe  fp'rit  there  is  no  guile, 
nor  fraud  is  found  therein. 

3  When  as  I  did  refrain  my  fpeech, 

and  filent  was  my  tongue; 
My  bones  then  waxed  old,  becaufe 
I  rorcd  all  day  long. 

4  For  upon  me,  both  day  and  night, 

thine  hand  did  heavy  lie ; 
So  that  my  moifture  turned  is 
in  fummer's  drought  thereby. 

5  I  thereupon  have  unto  thee 

my  fin  acknowledged, 
And  likewife  mine  iniquity 

I  have  not  covered : 
I  will  confefs  unto  the  Lord 

my  trefpafles,  faid  I; 
And  of  my  fin  thou  freely  didft 

forgive  th'  iniquity. 

6  For  this  fhall  ev'ry  godly  one 

his  prayer  make  to  thee; 
In  fuch  a  time  he  fhall  thee  feek, 

as  found  thou  mayeft  be. 
Surely,  when  floods  of  waters  great 

do  fwell  up  to  the  brim, 
They  fhall  not  overwhelm  his  foul, 

nor  once  come  near  to  him. 
n  Thou  art  my  hiding-place,  thou  fhalt 

from  trouble  keep  me  free : 

1  hou 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXII.         75 

Thou  with  fongs  of  deliverance 
about  fhalt  compafs  me. 

8  I  will  inftrud'  thee,  and  thee  teach 

the  way  that  thou  fhalt  go; 
And,  with  mine  eye  upon  thee  fet, 
I  will  direction  Ihow. 

9  Then  be  not  like  the  horfe,  or  mule, 

which  do  not  underftand: 
Whole  mouth,  left  they  come  near  to 
a  bridle  muft  command.        (thee, 
io  Unto  the  man  that  wicked  is, 
his  forrows  fhall  abound: 
But  him  that  trufteth  in  the  Lord, 
mercy  fhall  compafs  round. 
1 1  Ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord  be  glad, 
in  him  do  ye  rejoice : 
All  ye  that  upright  are  in  heart, 
for  joy  lift  up  your  voice. 

PSALM    XXXIII. 

This  is  a  pfalm  of  praife  :  it  is  probable  David  was  the  pen- 
man of  it,  but  ue  are  not  fold  f>,  becaufe  God  would  hare 
us  look  above  the  penman  of  facrcd  writ,  to  that  bleiTcd 
Spirit  that  moved  arftl  m.     The  pfalrniil  in  this 

p<alm,  (i.)  Calls  upon  the  righteous  to  pi aiie  God,  verf.  I. 
2-  3.  (2.)  Furri.r.e:h  us  w It'll  mattef  for  praife.  We  muft 
praife  God,  I.  Fcr  hjsjpftice,  goodnefs,  and  truth  appear-, 
ing  in  his  word,  and  In  all  his  works,  vcrf.  4.  5.  a.  For 
his  power  appeavina:  in  the  work  of  creation,  verf.  6—9. 
3.  For  the  foverti^n.y  of  his  providence  in  the  government 
of  the  world,  veil".  10.  II.  and  again,  verf.  13. ---17.  4.  For 
the  peculiar  favour  which  he  bears  to  his  own  chofen  people 
which  encourarjtth  therri  to  tYuft  in  him,  verf.  13.  and 
again,  verf.  18.— 22.  We  ncjed  not  be  far  to  feek  for  pro- 
per thoughts  in  finging  .  .  which  fo  naturally  fpeaks 

'  the^pious  alFeclions  of  a  devout  foui  towards  God. 


76        P  S  A  L  M    XXXIII. 

YE  righteous,  in  the  Lord  rejoice: 
it  comely  is,  and  right, 
That  upright  men,  with  thankful  voice, 
fhould  praife  the  Lord  of  might. 

2  Praife  God  with  harp:  and  unto  him 

fing  with  the  pfaltery, 
Upon  a  ten-ftring'd  inftrument 
make  ye  fweet  melody. 

3  A  new  fong  to  him  fing,  and  play 

with  loud  noife  fkilfully. 

4  For  right  is  God's  word,  all  his  works 

are  done  in  verity. 

5  To  judgment,  and  to  righteoufnefs, 

a  love  he  beareth  ftill : 
The  loving-kindnefs  of  the  Lord 
the  earth  throughout  doth  fill. 

6  The  heavens,  by  the  word  of  God, 

did  their  beginning  take; 
And,  by  the  breathing  of  his  mouth, 
he  all  their  hofts  did  make. 

7  The  waters  of  the  feas  he  brings 

together  as  an  heap  : 
And  in  ftarehoufes,  as  it  were, 
he  layeth  up  the  depth. 

8  Let  earth,  and  all  that  live  therein, 

with  rev'rence  fear  the  Lord : 
Let  all  the  world's  inhabitants 
dread  him  with  one  accord. 

8 i  9  For 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXIIL         77 

9  For  he  did  fpeak  the  word,  and  done 
it  was  without  delay ; 
Eftabtifhed  it  firmly  flood 
whatever  he  did  fay. 
i  o  God  doth  the  counfel  bring  to  nought 
which  heathen  folk  do  take : 
And  what  the  people  do  devife, 
of  none  effeft  doth  make, 
ii  O!  but  the  counfel  of  the  Lord 
doth  ftand  for  ever  fure; 
And  of  his  heart  the  purpofes 
from  age  to  age  endure. 
i  %  That  nation  blefled  is,  whole  God 
Jehovah  is:  and  thofe 
A  blefled  people  are,  whom  for 
his  heritage  he  chofe. 

13  The  Lord  from  heav'n  fees  and  be- 

all  fons  of  men  full  well.       (holds 

14  He  views  all,  from  his  dwelling-place 

that  in  the  earth  do  dwell. 

15  He  forms  their  hearts  alike;  and  all 

their  doings  he  obferves. 

16  Great  hofts  fave  not  a  king;  much 
no  mighty  man  preferves.     (ftrength 

1 7  An  horfe  for  prefervation 

is  a  deceitful  thing; 
And  by  the  greatnefs  of  his  ftrength 
can  no  deliv'rance  bring. 

18  Behold, 


78         PSALM    XXXIV. 

1 8  Behold,  on  thofe  that  do  him  fear 
the  Lord  doth  fet  his  eye: 
Ev'n  thofe  who  on  his  meroy  do 
with  confidence  rely. 

1 9?rom  death  to  free  their  foul,  in  dearth 
life  unto  them  to  yield. 

20  Our  foul  doth  wait  upon  the  Lord; 

he  is  our  help  and  fhield. 

21  Sith  in  his  holy  name  we  truft, 

our  heart  fhall  joyful  be. 

22  Lord,  let  thy  mercy  be  on  us, 

as  we  do  hope  in  thee. 

P  S  A  L  M    XXXIV. 

This  pfalm  was  penned  upon  a  particular  occafion,  as  appears 
by  the  title,  and  yet  there  is  iittle  in  it  peculiar  to  that  oc- 
cafion, hut  that  which  is  general,  both  by  way  of  thankf- 
giving  to  God,  and  lnftru&ion  to  us.  (i.)  He  praifeth  God 
for  the  experience  which  he  and  others  had  had  of  his  good- 
nefs.  veri'.i. — 6.  (3.)  He  encourageth  all  good  people  to 
trufr  in  God,  and  to  feek  to  him,  verf.  7. — 10.  (3.)  He 
gives  good  eounfel  to  us  all,  as  unto  children,  to  take  heed 
of  fin,  afcd  to  make  conscience  of  our  duty  both  to  God  and 
man,  verf.  11.-— 14.  (4.)  To  enforce  this  good  eounfel, 
he  fl\ews  God's  favour  to  the  righteous,  and  his  difpleafure 
again!!  the  wicked,  in  which  he  lets  before  us  good  and  evil, 
the  blctung  and  the  curie,  verf.  15.  to  22.  So  that  in  find- 
ing this  pfalm,  we  are  both  to  give  glory  to  God,  and  to 
teach  and  admoniih  ourfelves  and  one  another. 

A  pfalm  of  David,  when  he  changed  his  benavinuf'  before  Abi- 
melech  :    vho  drove  him  away,  and  he  departed. 

GOD  will  I  blefs  all  times :  his  praife 
my  mouth  lhall  ftill  exprefs. 
2  My  foul  lhall  boaft  in  God :  the  meek 
fhall  hear  with  joyfulnefs. 

3  Extol 


PSALM    XXXIV.         79 

3  Extol  the  Lord  with  me,  let  us 

exalt  his  name  together. 

4  I  fought  the  Lord,  he  heard,  and  did 

me  from  all  fears  deliver. 

5  They  look'd  to  him,  and  lightned  were: 

not  fhamed  were  their  faces. 

6  This  poor  man  cry 5d,  God  heard,  and 

him  from  all  his  diftrefles.     (fav'd 

7  The  angel  of  the  Lord  encamps, 

and  round  encompaffeth 
All  thofe  about  that  do  him  fear, 
and  them  delivereth. 

8  O  tafte  and  fee  that  God  is  good : 

who  trufts  in  him  is  blefs'd. 

9  Fear  God,  his  faints:  none  that  him  fear 

fhall  be  with  want  opprefs'd. 
io  The  lions  young  may  hungry  be, 
and  they  may  lack  their  food: 
But  they  that  truly  feek  the  Lord* 
fhall  not  lack  any  good. 

1 1  O  children,  hither  do  ye  come, 

and  unto  me  give  ear: 
I  fhall  you  teach  to  underftand 
how  ye  the  Lord  fhould  fear. 

12  What  man  is  he  that  life  defires, 

to  fee  good  would  live  long? 

13  Thy  lips  refrain  fromfpeaking  guile 

and  from  ill  words  thy  tongue. 

j  ;  Depart 


So         P  S  J  L  M    XXXIV. 

14  Depart  from  ill,  do  good,feek  peace, 

purfue  it  eamefily. 

15  Gcd's  eyes  are  on  the  juft;  his  ears 

are  open  to  their  cry. 

16  The  face  of  God  is  let  againft 

thofe  that  do  wickedly, 
That  he  may  quite  out  from  the  earth 

cut  off  their  memory. 
1  7  The  righteous  cry  unto  the  Lord, 

he  unto  them  gives  ear; 
And  they  out  of  their  troubles  all, 

by  him  deliv'rcd  arc. 
iS  The  Lord  is  ever  nigh  to  them 

that  be  01  broken  fp'rit : 
To  them  he  fafety  doth  afford, 

that  are  in  heart  contrite. 

19  The  troubles  that  affiid  the  juft, 

in  number  many  be: 
But  yet  at  length  cut  of  them  all 
the  Lord  doth  let  him  free. 

20  He  carefully  his  bones  doth  keep, 

whatever  can  befal : 
That  not  fo  much  as  one  of  them 
can  broken  be  at  all. 

21  111  fhall  the  wicked  flay:  laid  wafle 

fhall  be,  who  hate  the  juft. 

22  The  Lord  redeems  his  fervants  fouls: 

none  rerifh  that  him  tru 

PSALM 


PSALM    XXXV.         St 

David  in  this  pfalm  appeals  to  the  righteous  Judge  of  heaven 
and  earth,  againfthis enemies  that  hatedandpcrfecuted  him. 
It  isfuppofed  that  Saul  and  his  party  are  the  perfons  he 
means,  for  with  them  he  had  the  greateft  (buggies.  (i.)He 
complains  to  God  of  the  injuries  they  did  him  :  t.hey  drove 
with  him,  fought  againft  him,  verf.  i.  persecuted  him,verf. 
3.  fought  his  ruin,  verf.  4.  7.  a  ecu  fed  him  Falfely,  verf.  ir 
abuied  him  bafdy,  verf.  15.  16.  and  all  his  friends,  verf, 
20.  and  triumphed  over  him,  verf.  21.  25.  26.  (2.)  He 
pleads  his  own  innocency,  that  he  never  gave  them  any  pro- 
vocation, verf.  7.  19.;  but,  on  the  contrary,  had  ftudied  to 
oblige  them,  verf.  12.  13.  14,  (3)  He  prays  to  God  to 
protect  and  deliver  him,  and  appear  for  him,  verf.  1.  2. ;  to 
comfort  him,  verf.  3  ;  to  be  nigh  to  him,  and  refcue  him, 
verf.  17.  22. ;  to  plead  his  caufe,  verf  23.  24.;  to  defeat  all 
the  deligns  of  his  enemies  againfl  him,  verf.  3.  4.;  and  to 
difappoint  their  expectations  of  his  fall,  verf.  19.  25.  26.; 
and,  lalrly,  to  countenance  all  his  friends,  and  encourage 
them,  verf.  27.  (4.)  He  prophefies  the  dcftruclion  of  his 
perfecutors,  verf.  4.  5.  6.  8.  (5.)  Ke  promifeth  himfelf 
that  he  mall  yet  fee  better  days,  verf.  9.  10. ;  and  promifeth 
God  that  he  will  then  attend  him  with  his  praifes  verf.  18. 
28.  In  fmeing  this  pfalm  and  praying  it  over,  we  mult 
take  heed  of  applying  it  to  any  little  peevifh  quarrels  and 
enmities  of  our  own,  and  of  exprefTing  by  it  any  uncharita- 
ble revengeful  refentment  of  injuries  done  to  us  for  Chrifl 
has  taught  us  to  forgive  our  enemies,  and  not  to  pray  2gain(l 
thern,  but  to  pray  for  them,  as  he  did  But,  1.  We  may 
comfort  ourfelves  jwiih  the  telHmony  of  our  ccnfciences, 
concerning  our  innocency,  with  reference  to  thofe  that  are 
^py  way  injurious  to  us,  and  with  hopes  that  God  will  in 
his  own  way  and  time  right  us,  and  in  the  ajean  time  flip- 
port  us,  2.  We  ought  to  apply  it  to  the  public  enemies  of 
Chrifl:  and  hiskingdom,  typified  by  David  and  hiskingdom, 
to  r^fent  the  indignities  done  to  Chrifl's  honour,  to  pray- 
to  God  to  plead  the  juit  and  injured  caufe  of  Chriftianity, 
and  ferious  godlinefs,  and  to  believe  that  God  will  in  due 
time  glorify  his  own  name  in  the  ruin  of  all  the  irreconci- 
leable  enemies  of  his  church,  that  will  not  repent  to  give 
him  glory. 

A  pfahi:  of  David. 

Ple  a  d,  Lord,  with  thofe  that  plead,  and 
with  thofe  that  fight  with  me',     (fight 
2  Of  fhield  and  buckler  take  thou  hold, 
ftand  up  mine  help  to  be. 

F  3  Draw 


Sz         P  S  A  L  M    XXXV. 

3  Draw  alfo  out  the  fpear,  and  do 

againft  them  Hop  the  way, 
That  me  purfue:  unto  my  foul, 
Fin  thy  falvation,  fay. 

4  Let  them  confounded  be,  andfham'd, 

that  for  my  foul  have  fought : 
Who  plot  my  hurt,  turn'd  back  be  they, 
and  to  confufion  brought. 

5  Let  them  be  like  unto  the  chaff 

that  flies  before  the  wind : 
And  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
purfue  them  hard  behind. 

6  With  darknefs  cover  thou  their  way, 

and  let  it  flipp'ry  prove, 
And  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 

purfue  them  from  above. 
y  For  without  caufe  have  they  for  me 

their  net  hid  in  a  pit, 
They  alfo  have  without  a  caufe 

for  my  foul  digged  it. 

8  Let  ruin  feize  him  unawares, 

his  net  he  hid  withal 
Himfelf  let  catch;  and  in  the  fame 
deftrudion  let  him  fall. 

9  My  foul  in  God  fhall  joy;  and  glad 

in  his  falvation  be. 
i  o  And  all  my  bones  fhall  fay,  O  Lord, 
who  is  like  unto  thee, 

Which 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXV.        83 

Which  doll  the  poor  fet  free  from  him 
that  is  for  him  too  ftrong; 

The  poor  and  needy  from  the  man 
that  fpoils  and  does  him  wrong  ? 

1 1  Falfe  witneffes  rofe ;  to  my  charge 

things  I  not  knew  they  laid. 

12  They,  to  the  fpoiling  of  my  foul, 

me  ill  for  good  repaid. 

13  But  as  for  me,  when  they  were  fick, 

in  fackcloth  fad  I  mourn'd: 
My  humbled  foul  did  faft,  my  pray  'r 
into  my  bofom  turn'cl. 

14  Myfelf  I  did  behave,  as  he 

had  been  my  friend  or  brother : 
I  heavily  bow'd  down,  as  one 

that  mourneth  for  his  mother. 
I  j  But  in  my  trouble  they  rejoic'd, 

gathering  themielves  together  : 
Yea,  abjeds  vile  together  did 

themielves  againil:  me  gather; 
I  knew  it  not,  they  did  me  tear, 

and  quiet  would  not  be. 
16  With  mocking  hypocrites  at  feaits, 

they  gnafh'd  their  teeth  at  me. 
1 7H0W  long,Lord,  look'it  thou  on?  from 

deftruftions  they  intend        (thofe 
Refcue  my  foul,  from  lions  young 

my  darling  fo  defend. 

F2  isiwiir 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXV. 

1 8  I  will  give  thanks  to  thee,  O  Lord, 

within  tfe'  afiembly  great: 
An d, where  much  people  gath'red  are, 
thy  praiics  forth  will  let. 

1 9  Let  not  my  wrongful  enemies 

proudly  rejoice  o'er  me: 
Nor  who  hate  me  without  a  caufe, 
let  them  wink  with  the  eve. 

20  For  peace  they  do  not  fpeak  at  all, 

but  crafty  plots  prepare 
Againit  all  thofe  within  the  land 
that  meek  and  quiet  are. 
2  1  With  mouth  fet  wide,  they  'gainft  me 
Ha,  ha,  our  eye  doth  fee.       (faid. 

22  Lord,  thou  haft  feen,  hold  not  thy 

Lord,  be  not  far  from  me.      (peace : 

23  Sti  r  up  thy felf;  wake,  that  thou  mayft 

judgment  to  me  afford; 
Ev'n  to  my  caufe,  O  thou  that  art 
my  only  God  and  Lord. 

24  O  Lord  my  God,  do  thou  me  judge 

after  thy  righteoufneis ; 
And  let  them  not  their  joy  'gainft  me 
triumphantly  exprel's. 

25  Nor  let  them  lay  within  their  hearts 

Ah,  we  would  have  it  thus  : 
Nor  fuffer  them  to  lay,  that  he 
is  iwallow'd  up  by  us. 

26  Sham'd 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXVL         cS* 

26  Sham'd  and  confounded  t;e  they  all 
that  at  my  hurt  are  glad : 
Let  thofe  againft  me  that  do  boaft, 
with  fhame  and  fcorn  be  clad. 
2  7Let  them  that  love  my  righteous  caufe, 
be  glad,  fhout,  and  not  ceafe 
To  fay,  The  Lord  be  magnify'd, 
who  loves  his  fervant's  peace. 
28  Thy  righteoufnefs  fhall  alfo  be 
declared  by  my  tongue; 
The  praifes  that  belong  to  thee, 
fpeak  fhall  it  all  day  long. 

P  S  A  L  M    XXXVL 

It  is  uncertain  when,  and  upon  what  occafiin,  David  penned 
this  pfalm,  probably,  when  he  was  ftruck  at.  either  by 
Saul,  or  by  Abfalom  ;  for  in  it  he  complains  of  the  malice 
of  his  enemies  againfr  him,  but  triumphs  in  the  £*uxlnefs  of 
God  to  him.  We  are  here  led  to  condder,  and  it  will  do  us 
good  to  confider  ferioufiy.  (1  )  The  fin fulnefs  of  f:n,  and 
how  miichievous  it  is,  verf  I. — 4.  (2.)  The  goodnefs  of 
God,  and  how  gracious  he  is,  I.  To  all  his  creatures  in  ge- 
neral, verf  5.  6.  2.  To  his  own  people  in  a  fpecial  man- 
ner, verf.  7.  8.  9.  With  which  the  plalmifi  is  encouraged 
to  pray  for  all  the  taints,  verf.  10  ;  for  himfelf  in  particu- 
lar, and  his  own  prefervation,  verf.  11.  ;  and  to  triumph 
in  the  certain  fall  of  his  enemies,  verf.  12.  Tf  in  tinging 
this  pfaim.  our  hearts  be  duly  affected  with  the  hatred  of 
fin,  and  fatisfaction  in  God's  loving-kindnefs,  we  fing  it 
with  grace  and  underflanding. 

To  the  chief  rcufieian,  ^j5/tf/;«  of  David,  thefervantoftheLoru. 

THE  wicked  man's  tranfgreffion 
within  my  heart  thus  fa)Ts, 
Undoubtedly  the  fear  of  God 
is  not  before  his  eyes. 

2  Becaufe 


86        PSALM    XXXVI. 

2  Becaufe  himfelf  he  flattereth 

in  his  own  blinded  eye, 
Until  the  hatefulnefs  be  found 
of  his  iniquity. 

3  Words  from  his  mouth  proceeding,  are 

fraud  and  iniquity: 
He  to  be  wife,  and  to  do  good, 
hath  left  off  utterly. 

4  He  mifchief,  lying  on  his  bed, 

mod  cunningly  doth  plot, 
He  fets  himfelf  in  wrays  not  good; 
ill  he  abhorreth  not. 

5  Thy  mercy,  Lord,  is  in  the  heav'ns; 

thy  truth  doth  reach  the  clouds. 

6  Thy  juftice  is  like  mountains  great; 

thy  judgments  deep  as  floods: 
Lord,  thou  preferveft  man  and  beaft. 
j       How  precious  is  thy  grace ! 
Therefore  in  fhadow  of  thy  wings 
mens  fons  their  truft  fhall  place. 

8  They  with  the  fatnefs  of  thy  houfe 

fhall  be  well  fatisfy'd: 
From  rivers  of  thy  pleafures  thou 
wilt  drink  to  them  provide. 

9  Becaufe  of  life  the  fountain  pure 

remains  alone  with  thee : 
And  in  that  pureft  light  of  thine 
we  clearly  light  fhall  fee. 

io  Thy 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXVL         87 

10  Thy  loving-kindnefs  imto  them 

continue  that  thee  know; 
And  fiill  on  men  upright  in  heart 
thy  righteoufneis  bellow. 

1 1  Let  not  the  foot  of  cruel  pride 

come  and  againft  me  (land : 
And  let  me  not  removed  be, 
Lord,  bv  the  wicked's  hand. 

12  There  fall'n  are  they,  and  ruined, 

that  work  iniquities : 
Caft  down  they  are  and  never  fhall 
be  able  to  arile. 

PSALM    XXXVIL 

This  plain?  is  a  ilrmon,  and  an  excellent   uieful  fermcjn,  it  is 
calculated  not  (as  mo(l  of  the  p&lms]  for  onr  devotion,  but 
for  our  converlation;  there  is    noticing  in  it  of  prayer  or 
praife,  but  it   is  all   inftrudion;  it  is  Mafchil,  a    tea 
pfalm  ;    it  is  an  exposition  of  fome  of  the  hardeft  chapters  in 
the  book    of  providence,  the  advancement  cf  the   v 
and  the  difgrace  of  the  righteous,  a  iolution  of  the  .' 
ties  that  arife  thereupon,  and  an  exhortation  to  carry  our- 
selves as  becomes  us,  under  fuch  dark  difpenfatibus.     The 


ries 


work  of  the  prophets  [and  David  was  Oi  - 
the  law.  now  the  law  of  Mofes  had  promifed  tern;,.,. 
fingi  to  the  obedient,  and  denounced  temporal  ttiferie 
againft  the  difobedient,  which  principally  referred  to  tht_ 
body  of  the  people,  the  nation  as  a  nation,  for  when  they 
came  to  be  applied  to  particular  perfons,  many  in  (lances  oc- 
curred  of  Tinners  in  prosperity,  and  faints  in  adverfity;  to 
reconcile  thofe  iu (lances  with  the  word  that  God  bad  fpoken, 
is  the  icope  of  the  prophet  in  this  plaim.  In  which,  : 
forbids  us  to  fret  at  the  profpciity  of  the  wick 
wicked  ways,  verf.   1.   7.   8.  d  rea- 

fo ns  wiry  we  mould  not  =  fcan- 

:.c:er  of  the    '  f.   la.   14.    I 

with ftan ding  their p roi  p e  r i ty  :  a  n  d  : 
of  the  righje>»sj  veri".   : 
deftri;. 


88        P  S  A  L  M    XXXVII. 

2.  9.  10.  20.  35.  36.  38.;  and  the  falvation  and  protecti- 
on which  the  righteous  are  furc  of,  from  ail  the  malicious 
defigns   of   the  wicked,   verf.   13.   15.   17.  28.   33.   39.  40. 

3.  Becaufeof  the  particular  mercy  God  has  in  (tore  for  all 
good  people,  and  the  favour  he  (hews  them,  verf.  II.  16. 
18.  19.  22.  23.  24.  25.  28.  29.  37.  (3.)  He  prefcribes 
very  g^od  remedies  acainft  this  fin  of  envying  the  profpei  ity 
cf  the  wicked,  and  great  encouragement  to  ufc  thofe  reme- 
dies, verf,  3.  4.  5.  6.  27.  34.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we 
mud  teach  and  admonifh  cne  another  rightly  to  underftand 
the  providence  of  God,  and  to  accommodate  our  fie  Ives  to  it; 
at  all  times  carefully  to  do  our  duty,  and  then  patiently  to 
Jeave  the  event  with  God,  and  to  believe  that  how  black 
focver  things  may  look  for  the  prefent,  it  fha.ll  be  well  with 
them  that  fear  God,  that  fear  before  him. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

'OR  evil  doers  fret  thou  not 
thyfelf  unquietly, 
Nor  do  thou  envy  bear  to  thofe 
that  work  iniquity. 

2  For,  even  like  unto  the  grafs, 

foon  be  cut  down  fhall  they; 
And,  like  the  green  and  tender  herb, 
they  wither  fhall  away. 

3  Set  thou  thy  truft  upon  the  Lord, 

and  be  thou  doing  good; 
And  fo  thou  in  the  land  fhalt  dwell, 
and  verily  have  food. 

4  Delight  thyfelf  in  God,  he'll  give 

thine  heart's  defire  to  thee. 

5  Thy  way  to  God  commit;  him  truft, 

it  bring  to  pafs  fhall  he. 

6  And,  like  unto  the  light,  he  fhall 

thy  righteoufnefs  difplay, 

And 


PSALM    XXXVII.         89 
And  he  thy  judgment  (hall  bring  forth 
like  noon-tide  of  the  day. 

7  Reft  in  the  Lord,  and  patiently 

wait  for  him :  do  not  fret 
For  him,  who  profp'ring  in  his  way, 
fuccefs  in  fin  doth  get. 

8  Do  thou  from  anger  ceafe,  and  wrath 

fee  thou  forfake  alio : 
Fret  not  thyfelf  in  any  wife, 
that  evil  thou  fhouldft  do. 

9  For  thofe  that  evil-doers  are, 

fhall  be  cut  off  and  fall : 
But  thofe  that  wait  upon  the  Lord, 
the  earth  inherit  fhall. 

10  For  yet  a  little  while,  and  then 

the  wicked  fhall  not  be: 
His  place  thou  (halt  eonfider  well, 
but  it  thou  fhalt  not  fee. 

1 1  But,  by  inheritance,  the  earth 

the  meek  ones  fhall  pofiefs: 
They  aifo  fhall  delight  themfelves 
in  an  abundant  peace. 

12  The  wicked  plots  againft  the  juft, 

and  at  him  whets  his  teeth. 

13  The  Lord  fhall  laugh  at  him,becaufe 

his  day  he  coming  feeth. 
l4The  wicked  have  drawn  out  the  fword, 
and  bent  their  bow,  to  flay 

The 


9o        P  S  A  L  M    XXXVII. 

The  poor  and  needy,  and  to  kill 
men  of  an  upright  way. 

1 5  Rut  their  own  i  word,  which  they  have 

fhall  enter  their  own  heart ;    (drawn, 

Their  hows  which  they  have  bent,  fhall 

and  into  pieces  part.  (break, 

1 6  A  little  that  a  jufl  man  hath, 

is  more,  and  better  far, 
Than  is  the  wealth  of  many  fuch 
as  lewd  and  wicked  are. 

17  For  finners  arms  fhall  broken  be; 

but  God  the  jufl  fuftains. 

1 8  God  knows  the  jufl:  man's  days;  and 

their  heritage  remains.  (ftill 

i  Cj  They  fhall  not  be  afham'd,  when  they 
the  evil  time  do  fee; 
And  when  the  days  of  famine  are, 
they  fatisfy'd  fhall  be. 
20  But  wicked  men,  and  foes  of  God, 
as  fat  of  lambs  decay; 
They  fhall  confume,  yea,  into  fmoak 
they  fhall  confume  away. 
2i  The  wicked  borrows,  but  the  fame 
again  he  doth  not  pay; 
Whereas  the  righteous  mercy  fhows 
and  gives  his  own  away. 
2  2  For  fuch  as  blefled  be  of  him, 
the  earth  inherit  fhall; 

And 


P  S  A  L  M    XXXVII.         91 

And  they  that  curfcd  are  cf  him, 
fhall  be  deftroyed  all. 

23  A  good  man's  footfteps  by  the  Lord 

are  ordered  aright: 
And  in  the  wav  w herein  he  walks, 
he  greatly  doth  delight. 

24  Although  he  fall,  yet  fhall  he  not 

be  caft  down  utterly: 
Becaufe  the  Lord  with  his  own  hand 
upholds  him  mightily. 

25  I  have  beenyoung,  and  now  am  old; 

yet  have  I  never  feen 
The  juft  man  left,  nor  that  his  feed 
for  bread  have  beggars  been. 

26  He's  ever  merciful,  and  lends: 

his  feed  is  blefs'd  therefore. 

27  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good: 

and  dwell  for  evermore. 
2  8For God  loves  judgment,and  his  faints 
leaves  not  in  any  cafe; 
They  are  kept  ever :  but  cut  off 
fhall  be  the  finner's  race. 

29  The  juft  inherit  fhall  the  land, 

and  ever  in  it  dwell.  (fpeak: 

30  The  juft  man's  mouth  doth  wifdorn 

his  tongue  doth  judgment  tell. 

31  In's  heart  the  law  is  of  his  God, 

his  fteps  Hide  not  away, 

32  The 


92        P  S  A  L  M    XXXVIL 

32  The  wicked  man  doth  watch  the juft 

and  fccketh  him  to  flay. 
2$  Yet  him  the  Lord  will  not  forfake, 

nor  leave  him  in  his  hands; 
The  righteous  will  he  not  condemn, 

when  he  in  judgment  ftands. 
34  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  way 

and  thee  exalt  fhall  he, 
Th*  earth  to  inherit:  when  cut  off 

the  wicked  thou  fhalt  fee. 
3$  I  faw  the  wicked  great  in  pow'r, 

fpread  like  a  green  bay-tree. 
3  6  He  pafs'd,  yea,  was  not :  him  I  fought, 

but  found  he  could  not  be. 

37  Mark  thou  the  perfect,  and  behold 

the  man  of  uprightnefs : 
Eccaufe  that  farely  of  this  man 
the  latter  end  is  peace. 

38  But  thofe  men  that  tranfgreffors  arc 

fhall  be  deftroy'd  together, 
The  latter  end  of  wicked  men 
fhall  be  cut  off  for  ever. 
^9  But  the  falvation  of  the  juft 
is  from  the  Lord  above; 
He,  in  the  time  of  their  diftrefs, 
their  ftay  and  ftrength  doth  prove. 
40  TheLord  fhall  help,  and  them  deliver: 
he  fhall  them  free  and  fave 

From 


PSALM    XXXVIII.       93 

From  wicked  men,  becaufe  in  him 
their  confidence  they  have. 

P  S  A  L  M    XXXVIII. 

This   is  one  of  the  penitential  pfalms;  it   is   fall  of  grief  And 

complaint  from  the  beginning  to  the  end:  David's  fins  and 
his  afflictions  are  the  came  of  his  grief,  ana  the  matter  of 
his  complaints.  It  mould  Teem  he  fcras  now  lick,  and  in 
pain,  which  minaed  him  of  his  fins,  and  helped  to  humble 
him  for  them;  he  was  at  the  fame  time  defcrted  by  his 
friends,  and  perfecuted  by  his  enemies  ;  fo  that  the  pfalm  is 
calculated  for  the  depth  of  dirt refs,  and  a  complication  of 
calamities.  He  complains,  (I.)  Of  God's  difpleafure,  and 
of  his  own  fin,  which  provoked  God  againft  him,  verf.  I, — 5. 
(2.)  Of  his  bodily  ficknefs,  verf.  6. — 10.  (3  )  Of  theun- 
kindnefs  of  his  friends,  verf.  II.  (4.)  Of  the  injuries  which 
his  enemies  did  him,  pleading  his  good  carriage  towards 
them,  yet  confefling  his  fins  againit  God,  verf.  I2\  to  20. 
Laftly,  Heconcludesthe  plalm  withearneii  prayers  to  God, 
for  his  gracious  prefence  and  help,  ver-£  il.  22.  In  iinging' 
this  pfalm,  we  ought  to  be  much  affected  with  the  maligni- 
ty of  fin  ;  and  if  we  have  not  fuch  troubles  as  arc  here  de- 
fcribed,  we  know  not  how  foon  we  may  have,  aud  therefore 
muft  fingofthem  byway  of  preparation  ;  and  we  know 
that  others  have  them,  and  therefore  we  mult  ling  of  them 
by  way  of  fympathy. 

A  pfalm  of  David  to  bring  to  remembrance, 

IN  thy  great  indignation, 
O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not; 
Nor  on  me  lay  thy  chaining  hand 
in  thy  difpleafure  hot. 

2  For  in  me  faft  thine  arrows  Hick, 

thine  hand  doth  prefs  me  fore. 

3  And  in  my  flefh  there  is  no  health 

nor  foundnefs  any  more. 
This  grief  I  have,  becaufe  thy  wrath 
is  forth  againft  me  gone; 

And 


94      P  S  A  L  M    XXXVIII. 

And  in  my  bones  there  is  no  reft, 
for  fin  that  I  have  done. 

4  Becaufe  gone  up  above  mine  head 

my  great  tranfgreffions  be; 
And,  as  a  weighty  burden,  they 
too  heavy  are  for  me. 

5  My  wounds  do  (link,  and  are  corrupt: 

my  folly  makes  it  fo. 

6  I  troubled  am,  and  much  bow'd  down ; 

all  day  I  mourning  go. 

7  For  a  difeafe  that  loathfome  is, 

fo  fills  my  loins  with  pain, 
That  in  my  weak  and  wearv  flefh 
no  fbundnefs  doth  remain. 

8  So  feeble  and  infirm  am  I, 

and  broken  am  fo  fore; 
That,  through  difquiet  of  my  heart, 
I  have  been  made  to  roar. 

9  O  Lord,  all  that  I  do  defire, 

is  ftill  before  thine  eye: 
And  of  my  heart  the  fecret  groans 
not  hidden  are  from  thee, 
io  My  heart  doth  pant  inceffantly, 
my  Itren^th  doth  quite  decay: 
As  for  mine  eyes,  their  wonted  light 
is  from  me  gone  away. 
1 1  My  lovers  and  my  friends  do  ftand 
at  diftance  from  mv  fore: 

And 


PSALM    XXXVIII.       95 

And  thofe  do  ftand  aloof  that  were 
kinfmen,  and  kind  before. 

1 2  Yea,  they  that  feek  my  life,  lay  ihares: 

who  feek  to  do  me  wrong, 
Speak  things  mifchievous,  and  deceits 
imagine  all  day  long. 

13  But,  as  one  deaf,  that  heareth  not, 

I  fuffer'd  all  to  pais : 
I  as  a  dumb  man  did  become, 
whofe  mouth  not  op'ned  was. 

1 4  As  one  that  hears  not,  in  whofe  mouth 

are  no  reproofs  at  all. 

15  For,  Lord,  I  hope  in  thee;  my  God, 

thou'lt  hear  me  when  I  call. 

1 6  For  1  faid,  Hear  me,  left  they  iliould 

rejoice  o'er  me  with  pride : 
And  o'er  me  magnify  themfelves, 
when  as  my  foot  doth  Aide. 

17  For  I  am  near  to  halt,  my  grief 

is  ftill  before  mine  eye. 

18  For  I'll  declare  my  fin;  and  grieve 

for  mine  iniquity. 

19  But  yet  mine  en'mies  lively  are, 

and  ftrong  are  they  befide; 
And  they  that  hate  me  wrongfully, 
are  greatly  multiply 'd. 

20  And  they  for  good  that  render  113, 

as  en'mies  mc  withftood: 


Vr 


96      PSALM    XXXVIII. 

Yea,  ev'n  for  this,  bccaufe  that  I 
do  follow  what  is  good. 

2 1  Forfake  me  not,  O  Lord :  my  God, 

far  from  me  never  be. 

22  O  Lord,  thou  my  falvation  art, 

hafte  to  give  help  to  me. 

PSALM     XXXIX. 

David  feems  to  have  been  in  a  great  tofs  when  he  penned  this 
pfalm,  and  upon  fome  account  or  other  very  uneafy;  for  it 
is  with  fome  difficulty  that  he  conquers  his  paflion,  and 
cooipofbth  lis  fpirit  to  take  that  good  counfel  himfelf  which 
he  had  given  to  others,  Pfal.  xxxvii.  to  '  reft  in  the  Lord,* 
and  wait  patently  for  him,  without  fretting;  for  it  is  eafier 
to  i^ivc  the  goccl  advice,  than  to  give  the  good  example  of 
qoietnefs  under  affliction.  What  was  the  particular  trouble 
which  gaveoccallcn  for  the  conflict  David  was  now  in,  doth 
not  appear.  Perhaps  it  was  the'dtath  of  fome  dear  friend 
or  relation  that  was  the  trial  of  his  patience,  and  that  fug- 
ged ed  to  him  thefe  meditations  of  mortality;  and  at  the 
fame  time  it  Ihould  feem  to  be  himfelf  was  weak  and  ill,  and 
under  foine  prevailing  diftemper.  His  enemies,  Iikewife, 
were  feeking  advantages  againit  him,  and  watched  for  his 
halting,  that  they  might  have  (omething  to  reproach  him 
for;  thus  aggrieved,  (I.)  He  relates  the  ftruggle  that  was 
in  his  brealt  between  grace  and  corruption,  between  pafflon  ■ 
and  patience,  xerl.  I.  %.  3.  {%.)  He  meditates  upon  the 
doctrine  or  man's  frailty  and  mortality,  and  prays  to  God 
to  it.liruc't  him  in  it,  verf.  4.  5.  6.  (3.)  He  applies  himfelf 
to  God  for  the  pardon  of  his  (ins,  the  removtal  of  his  afflic- 
tion, and  lengtheneing  cut  of  his  life,  till  he  was  ready  for 
.,  vetf.  7. — 13.  This  is  a  funeral  pfalm,  and  very 
proper  for  the  occafion.  In  fmging  of  it,  we  ihould  get  our 
.  doly  tttcded  with  the  brevity,  uncertainty,  and  cala- 
mitous (late  ofluiman  life;  and  thofe  on  whofe  comforts 
God  has  by  death  made  breaches,  will  find  this  pfalm  of 
great  ufe  to  them,  in  orr'er  to  their  obtaining  what  we  ought 
to  aim  much  at,  under  inch  affliction,  which  is  to  get  it 
fandtificd  to  us  for  olt  ipiritual  benefit,  and  to  get  cur 
:o  the  holy  will  of  God  in  it. 

To 


PSALM    XXXIX.        97 

To  the  chief  mufician,  fven  to  Jeduthun,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

ISaid,  I  will  look  to  my  ways, 
left  with  my  tongue  I  fin : 
In  fight  of  wicked  men,  my  mouth 
with  bridle  I'll  keep  in. 

2  With  filence  1  as  dumb  became, 

I  did  myfelf  reftrain 
From  fpeaking  good;  but  then  the  more 
increafed  was  my  pain. 

3  My  heart  within  me  waxed  hot, 

and  while  I  mufing  was, 
The  fire  did  burn:  and  from  my  tongue 
thefe  words  I  did  let  pafs. 

4  Mine  end,  and  meafure  of  my  days, 

O  Lord,  unto  me  fhow 
What  is  the  fame;  that  I  thereby 
my  frailty  well  may  know. 

5  Lo,  thou  my  days  an  hand-breadth 

mine  age  is  in  thine  eye      (mad'ft, 
As  nothing :  fure,  each  man  at  beft 
is  wholly  vanity. 

6  Sure,  each  man  walks  in  a  vain  fhow, 

they  vex  themfelves  in  vain : 
He  heaps  up  wealth,  and  doth  not  know 
to  whom  it  fhall  pertain. 

7  And  now,  O  Lord,  what  wait  I  for  ? 

my  hope  is  fix'd  on  thee. 

G  8  Free 


98        PSALM    XXXIX. 

8  Free  me  from  all  my  trefpafles, 

the  fool's  fcorn  make  not  me. 

9  Dumb  was  I,  opening  not  my  mouth, 

becaufe  this  work  was  thine. 

I  o  Thy  ftroke  take  from  me:  by  the  blow 

of  thine  hand  I  do  pine. 

I I  When  with  rebukes  thou  doft  correct 

man  for  iniquity, 
Thou  waft'ft  his  beauty  like  a  moth: 
fure  each  man's  vanity. 

1 2  Attend  my  cry,  Lord,  at  my  tears, 

and  pray'rs  not  filent  be : 
I  fojourn  as  my  fathers  all, 
And  ftranger  am  with  thee. 

1 3  O  fpare  thou  me,  that  I  my  ftrength 

recover  may  again, 
Before  from  hence  I  do  depart, 
and  here  no  more  remain. 

PSALM    XL. 

It  mould  feem  David  penned  this  pfalra  upon  occafion  of  his 

deliverance,  by  the  power  and  goo<lnefs  of  God,  from  fome 

and  preffing  trouble,  by    which  he  was  in    danger  of 

;  overwhelmed:  probably  it  was  fome  trouble  of  mind, 

ife  cf  fia;  and  bf  God's  difpieaiure  againft 

.vcritwas,  the   fame  Sph it  that   indited 

for  that  (iejlverance,  was  in  him  at  the  fame  tunc 

a  :;:.:,:,;-        p  y,  tefttfyiftg   oft!:-  ri  of  Chrift, 


.and  tile  glory  that  fhqnld  follow;  -re,  he 

f  ChriiVs  undertaking,  and  the  difcharge 
that  mull  bcapi  " 

cnty;   -  :'  -lovv  rar  tne  primes  *nat  ! 

.  and  the  pi\.- 

lied    to  hirii,  it 


that  mujft  be  applie<Lt»  Chnft 
cnjy;  ihc  praifes  that  here  co  before 

i  that  follow,   may 

.._i,  it   will  be  worth 

while  tc  coulidcr,   In  thi^pfi  1$  God's 


P  S  A  L  M    XL.  99 

Favour  to  him,  in  delivering  him  out  of  his  deep  diftrefs, 
with  thankfulnefs  to  his  praife,  verf.  I.— 5.  (z.)  Thence 
he  takes  occafion  to  fpeak  of  the  work  of  our  redemption 
by  Chrift,  verf.  6.  10.  (3.)  That  gives  him  encouragement 
to  pray  to  God  for  mercy  and  grace,  both  for  himfelf  and 
for  his  friends,  verf.  II. — 17.  If  in  fihging  this  pfalm  we 
mix  faith  v;ith  the  prophefy  of  Chrilr,  and  join  in  fir.cerity 
with  the  praifes  and  prayers  here  offered  up,  we  make  me- 
lody with  onr  hearts  to  tie  Lord. 

To  the  chief  mufician,   A  pfalm  of  David. 

I  Waited  for  the  Lord  my  God, 
and  patiently  did  bear; 
At  length  to  me  he  did  incline 
my  voice  and  cry  to  hear. 

2  He  took  me  from  a  fearful  pit, 

and  from  the  miry  clay; 
And  on  a  rock  he  fet  my  feet, 
eftablifhing  my  way. 

3  He  put  a  new  fong  in  my  mouth, 

our  God  to  magnify : 
Many  fhall  fee  it,  and  fhall  fear, 
and  on  the  Lord  rely. 

4  O  blefled  is  the  man  whofe  truft 

upon  the  Lord  relies; 
Refpetting  not  the  proud,  nor  fuch 
as  turn  afide  to  lies. 

5  O  Lord  my  God,  full  many  are 

the  wonders  thou  haft  done ; 
Thy  gracious  thoughts  tous-ward  far 

above  all  thoughts  are  gone: 
I  ft  order  none  can  reckon  them 

to  thee ;  if  them  declare, 

2  And 


ioo  P  S  A  L  M    XL. 

And  fpeak  of  them  I  would,  they  more 
than  can  be  numb'red  are. 

6  No  facrifice  nor  offering 

didft  thou  at  all  defire, 
Mine  ears  thou  bor'd:fin-ofPring  thou, 
and  burnt,  didft  not  require. 

7  Then  to  the  Lord  thefe  were  my  words, 

I  come,  behold  and  fee: 
Within  the  volume  of  thy  book 
it  written  is  of  me: 

8  To  do  thy  will  I  take  delight, 

0  thou  my  God  that  art : 
Yea,  that  moft  holy  law  of  thine 

1  have  within  my  heart. 

9  Within  the  congregation  great 

I  righteoufnefs  did  preach : 
Lo,  thou  doft  know,  O  Lord,  that  I 
refrained  not  my  fpeech. 
io  I  never  did  within  my  heart 
conceal  thy  righteoufnefs : 
I  thy  falvation  have  declared, 
and  fhown  thy  faithfulnefs : 
Thy  kindnefs  which  moft  loving  is, 

concealed  have  not  I, 
Nor  from  the  congregation  great 
have  hid  thy  verity. 
1 1  Thy  tender  mercies,  Lord,  from  me 
O  do  thou  not  reftrain: 

Thy 


PSALM    XL.  ioi 

Thy  loving-kindnefs  and  thy  truth, 
let  them  me  ftill  maintain. 

12  For  ills  part  reck'ning  compafs  me, 

and  mine  iniquities 
Such  hold  upon  me  taken  have, 
I  cannot  lift  mine  eyes: 
7  v.  than  hairs  are  on  mine  head; 

thence  is  my  heart  difmay'd. 

13  Be  pieafed,  Lord,  to  refcue  me:i 

Lord  haften  to  mine  aid. 

14  Sham'd  and  confounded  be  they  all 

that  feek  my  foul  to  kill : 
Yea , .  let  them  backward  driven  be, 
and  fham'd  that  wifti  me  ill. 

15  For  a  reward  of  this  their  fhame, 

confounded  let  them  be, 
That  in  this  manner  fcoffing  fay, 
Aha,  aha,  to  me. 

16  In  thee  let  all  be  glad  and  joy, 

who  feeking  thee  abide: 
Who  thy  falvation  love,  fay  ftill, 
The  Lord  be  magnify'd. 

17  I'm  poor  and  needy,  yet  the  Lord 

of  me  a  care  doth  take  : 
Thou  art  my  help  and  Saviour, 
my  God,  no  tarrying  make, 

PSALM 


102         PSALM    XLI. 

God's  kindnefs  and  truth  have  often  been  the  fupport  and 
comfort  of  the  faints,  when  they  have  had  moft  experience 
of  mens  unkindnefs  and  treachery  ;  David  here  found  them 
lb  upon  a  fick-hed,  when  he  found  his  enemies  very  barba- 
rous, hut  his  God  very  gracious,  (i.)  He  here  comforts 
himfelf  in  his  communion  with  God  under  his  fickncfs,  by 
faith  receiving  and  laying  hold  of  God's  promifes  to  him, 
verf.  I.  2.  3.;  and  lifting  up  his  heart  in  prayer  to  God, 
verf.  4.  (^.)  He  here  represents  the  malice  of  his  enemies 
againft  him,  their  malicious  cenfures  of  him,  their  fpiteful 
reflections  upon  him,  and  their  infolent  carriage  towards 
him,  verf.  5. — 9.  (3.)  He  leaves  his  eafe  with  God,  not 
doubting  but  that  he  would  own  and  favour  him,  verf.  10. 
II. ;  and  fo  the  pfalm  concludes  with  a  doxology,  verf.  13. 
3s  any  afflicted  with  ficknefs  ?  let  him  fing  the  beginning  of 
the  pfalm  :  Is  any  perfecuted  by  enemies,  let  him  fing  the 
latter  end  of  it:  and  we  may  any  of  us,  in  finging  of  it, 
meditate  upon  both  the  calamities  and  comforts  of  good 
people  in  this  world. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

LESS  ED  is  he  that  wifely  doth 
the  poor  man's  cafe  confider; 
For  when  the  time  of  trouble  is, 
the  Lord  will  him  deliver. 

2  God  will  him  keep;  yea,  fave  alive, 

on  earth  he  blefs'd  fhall  live; 
And  to  his  enemies  defire 
thou  wilt  him  not  up  give. 

3  God  will  give  ftrength,  when  he  on  bed 

of  languifhing  doth  mourn : 
And  in  his  ficknefs  fore,  O  Lord, 
thou  all  his  bed  wilt  turn. 

4  I  faid,  O  Lord,  do  thou  extend 

thy  mercy  unto  me: 
O  do  thou  heal  my  foul,  for  why, 
I  have  offended  thee. 

5  Thofe 


PSALM    XLI.  103 

5  Thofe  that  to  me  are  enemies, 

of  me  do  evil  fay : 
When  fhall  he  die,  that  fo  his  name 
may  perifh  quite  away  ? 

6  To  fee  me  if  he  comes,  he  fpeaks 

vain  words :  but  then  his  heart 
Heaps  mifchief  to  it,  which  he  tells, 
when  forth  he  doth  depart. 

7  My  haters  jointly  whifpering, 

'gainft  me  my  hurt  devife. 

8  Mifchief,  fay  they,  cleaves  fait  to  him; 

he  ly'th,  and  fhall  not  rife. 

9  Yea,  ev'n  mine  own  familiar  friend, 

on  whom  I  did  rely, 
Who  ate  my  bread,  ev'n  he  his  heel 
againft  me  lifted  high. 

10  But,  Lord>  be  merciful  to  me, 

and  up  again  me  raife; 
That  I  may  juftly  them  requite 
according  to  their  ways. 

1 1  By  this  I  know  that  certainly 

I  favoured  am  by  thee : 

Becaufe  my  hateful  enemy 

triumphs  not  over  me. 

1 2  But  as  for  me,  thou  me  uphold'ft 

in  mine  integrity : 
And  me  before  thy  countenance 
thou  fett'ft  continually. 

13  lne 


io4         PSALM    XLL 
1 3  The  Lord,  the  God  of  Iirael, 

be  blefs'd  for  ever  then, 
From  age  to  age  eternally. 

Amen,  yea,  and  amen. 

PSALM    XLIL 

If  the  book  of  pfaJms  be,  as  fome  have  (tiled  it,  a  mirror  or" 
looking-glafs  of  pious  and  devout  affections,  this  pfalm  in 
particular  deferves  as  much  as  any  one  pfalm,  to  be  fo  in- 
titled,  and  is  as  proper  as  any  other  to  kindle  and  excite 
fuch  in  us;  gracious  defires  are  here  i'tiong  and  fervent:  gra- 
cious hopes  and  fears,  joys  and  forrows,  are  here  draggling, 
but  the  pleafing  paflion  comes  off  a  conqueror;  or  we  may 
take  it  for  a  conflict  between  fenfe  and  faith;  fenfe 
objecting,  and  faith  anfwering,  (i.)  Faith  begins 
with  holy  defires  towards  God,  and  communion  with 
him,  verf.  I.  2.  (2.)  Senfe  complains  of  the  darknefs  and 
cloudinefs  of  the  preient  condition,  aggravated  by  the  re- 
membrance of  the  former  enjoyments,  verf.  3.  4.  (3.) 
Faith  filenceth  the  complaint  with  the  affurance  of  a  gnod 
i flue  at  laft,  verf.  5.  (4)  Senfe  renews  its  complaints  of 
the  prefent  dark  and  melancholy  ftate,  verf.  6  7.  (5.)  Faith 
holds  up  the  heart  notwithstanding,  with  liGpe  that  the  day 
will  dawn,  verf.  8.  (5.)  Senfe  repeats  its  lamentations, 
verf.  9.  10.  and  fjghs  out  the  fame  remonftrance  it  had 
before  made  of  its  grievances.  (7.)  Faith  gets  the  laft  word, 
verf.  11.  for  the  filencing  of  the  complaints  of  fenfe;  and 
though  it  be  almoft  the  fame  with  that,  verf.  5.  yet  now  it 
prevails  and  carries  the  day.  The  title  doth  not  tell  us  who 
was  the  penman  of  the  pfalm,  hut  mod  probably  it  was 
David ;  and  we  may  conjecture  it  was  penned  by  him  at  a 
time  when  either  by  Saul's  perfecution,  or  Abfalom's  re- 
bellion, he  was  driven  from  the  fanctuary,  and  cut  offfrom 
the  priviledge  of  waiting  upon  God  in  publick  ordinances. 
The  ftrain  of  it  is  much  the  fame  with  Pfal.  lxiii.  and 
therefore  we  way  prefume  it  was  penned  by  the  fame  hand, 
and  upon  the  fame,  or  a  like  occafion.  In  finging  it,  if  we 
be  either  in  outward  affliction,  or  inward  diftrefs,  we  may 
accommodate  to  ourfelves  the  melancholy  expreffions  we 
find  here;  if  not,  we  muft,  in  finging  them,  fympathize 
with  thofe,  whofe  cafe  they  fpeak  too  plainly,  and  thank 
Cod  it  is  notour  own  cafe;  but  thofe  ?pallages  in  it,  whicli 
exprefs  and  excite  holy  defires  towards  God,  and  depen- 
dence on  him,  we  rnuft  carneftly  endeavour  to  bring  our 
minds  up  to. 

To 


PSALM    XLIL         105 

To  the  chief  mnfician,  Mafchilw  for  the  fons  of  Korah. 

LI K E  as  the  hart  for  water-brooks 
in  thirft  doth  pant  and  bray ; 
So  pants  my  longing  foul,  O  God, 
that  come  to  thee  I  may. 

2  My  foul  for  God,  the  living  God, 

doth  thirft:;  when  {hall  I  near 
Unto  thy  countenance  approach, 
and  in  God's  fight  appear? 

3  My  tears  have  unto  me  been  meat, 

both  in  the  night  and  day, 
While  unto  me  continually, 
Where  is  thy  God  ?  they  fay. 

4  My  foul  is  poured  out  in  me, 

when  this  I  think  upon; 
Eecaufe  that  with  the  multitude 

I  heretofore  had  gone : 
With  them  into  God's  houfe  I  went, 

with  voice  of  joy  and  praife; 
Yea,  with  the  multitude  that  kept 

the  folemn  holy  days. 

5  O  why  art  thou  caft  down,  my  foul, 

why  in  me  fo  difmay'd  ? 
Trufl  God,  for  I  fhall  praife  him  yet, 
his  count'nance  is  mine  aid. 

6  My  God,  my  foul's  caft  down  in  me: 

thee  therefore  mind  I  will 

From 


io6        PSALM    XLIT. 

From  Jordan's  land,  the  Hermonites, 
and  ev'n  from  Mizar  hill. 

7  At  the  noife  of  thy  water-fpouts, 

deep  unto  deep  doth  call : 
Thy  breaking  waves  pafs  over  me, 
yea,  and  thy  billows  all. 

8  Kis  loving-kindnefs  yet  the  Lord 

command  will  in  the  day, 
Kis  fongs  with  me  by  night:  to  God, 
by  whom  I  live,  I'll  pray. 
g  And  I  will  fay  to  God  my  Rock, 
Why  me  forgett'ft  thou  fo  ? 
Why,  for  my  foes  opprefTion, 
thus  mourning  do  I  go  ? 

10  'Tis  as  a  fword  within  my  bones, 

when  my  foes  me  upbraid; 
Ev'n  when  by  them, Where  is  thyGod? 
'tis  daily  to  me  faid. 

1 1  O  why  art  thou  call  down,  my  foul? 

why,  thus  with  grief  oppreft, 
Art  thou  difquieted  in  me  ? 

in  God  ftill  hope  and  reft; 
For  yet  I  know  I  fhall  him  praife, 

who  gracioufly  to  me 
The  health  is  of  my  countenance, 

yea,  mine  own  Gcd  is  he. 

PSALM 


PSALM    XLIII.         107 

This  pfalm,  it  is  likely,  was  penned  upon  the  fame  occafion 
with  the  former,  and  having  no  title,  may  be  looked  upon  as 
an  appendix  to  it ;  the  malady  preient.lv  Xf  turning,  he  had 
immediate  recourie  to  the  lame  remeay,  became  he  had  en- 
tered it  in  his  book  with  a  prohatmm  eft  upon  it,  The  fecond 
verfe  of  this  pfalm  Is  almoil  the  very  fame  with  the  ninth 
verfe  of  the  foregoing  pfalm,  as  the  fifth  of  thus  is  exactly 
the  fame  with  the  eleventh  of  chat.  Chrift  himfelf,  who  had 
the  Spirit  without  meafure,  when  there  was  occafion,  pray- 
ed a  fecondand  third  time,  *  faying  the  fame  words,'  Matth. 
xxvi.  44.  In  this  pfalm,  (1.)  He  appeals  to  God  concern- 
ing the  injuries  that  were  done  him  by  his  enemies,  verf.  I. 
2.  (2.)  He  prays  to  God  to  reftore  to  him  the  free  enjoy- 
ment of  publick  ordinances  again,  and  promifcth  to  make 
a  good  improvement  of  them,  verf.  3.  4.  (3  )  He  endea- 
vours to  (till  the  tumult  of  his  own  fpirit,  with  a  lively  hope 
and  confidence  in  God,  verf.  5.  which  if  we  labour  after  in 
finging  this  pfalm,  we  fing  with  grace  in  our  hearts. 

JUdge  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  caufe 
againft  th'  ungodly  nation; 
From  the  unjuft  and  crafty  man, 
O  be  thou  my  falvation. 

2  For  thou  the  God  art  of  my  ftrength ; 

why  thrufts  thou  me  thee  fro? 
For  th'  enemies  opprefnon, 
why  do  I  mourning  go  ? 

3  O  fend  thy  light  forth,  and  thy  truth; 

let  them  be  guides  to  me, 
And  bring  me  to  thine  holy  hill, 
ev'n  where  thy  dwellings  be. 

4  Then  will  I  to  God's  altar  goy 

to  God  my  chiefeft  joy; 
Yea,  God,  my  God,  thy  name  to  praife 
my  harp  I  will  employ. 

5  Why 


108        PSALM    XLIII. 

5  Why  art  thou  then  caft  down,  my  foul? 

what  fhould  difcourage  thee? 
And  why  with  vexing  thoughts  art  thou 
difquieted  in  me? 
Still  truft  in  God,  for  him  to  praife 

good  caufe  I  yet  fhall  have ; 
He  of  my  countenance  is  the  health, 
my  God  that  doth  me  fave. 

PSALM    XLIV. 

We  are  not  told  either  who  was  the  penman  of  this  pfaJm,  or 
when,  and  upon  what  occafion,  it  was  penned;  upon  a  me- 
lancholy occafion  we  are  fure,  not  fo  much  to  the  penman 
himfelf.  then  we  could  have  found  occafions  enough  for  it 
in  the  hiftory  of  David  and  his  afflictions,  but  to  the  church 
of  God  ill  general ;  and  therefore  if  we  fuppofc  it  penned  by 
David,  yet  we  muft  attribute  it  purely  to  the  Spirit  of  pro- 
phefy,  and  muft  conclude  that  that  Spirit  (whatever  he  had) 
had  in  view  the  captivity  of  Babylon,  or  the  fufferings  of  the 
Jewifli  church  under  Antiochus;  or  rather  the  afflicted  (late 
of  the  chriirian  church,  in  its  early  days,  to  which,  verf. 
1%.  is  applied  by  the  apoltle,  Rom.  viii.  36.  and  indeed 
in  all  its  days  on  earth,  for  it  is  its  determined  lot,  that  it 
muft  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  through  many  tri- 
bulations. And  if  we  have  any  gofpel-pfalms  pointing  at 
the  priviledges  and  comforts  of  Chrifrians,  why  mould  we 
Hot  have  one  pointing  at  their  trials  and  exercifes  ?  It  is  a 
pfalm  calculated  for  a  day  of  falling  and  humiliation,  upon 
occafion  of  fome  publick  calamity,  either  prelTIng  or  threat- 
ening. In  it  the  church  is  taught,  (1.)  To  own  with  thank- 
fulnefs,  to  the  glory  of  God,  the  great  things  God  had  done 
for  their  fathers,  verf.  I.  to  8.  (2. )  To  exhibit  a  memorial 
cf  their  prefent  calamitous  (late,  verf.  9. — 16.  (3.)  To  file 
a  proteflation  of  their  integrity  and  adherence  to  God  not- 
withdandfng,  verf.  17.  to  22.  (4.)  To  ledge  a  petition  at 
the  throne  of  grace  for  fuccour  and  relief,  verf.  22. — 26. 
In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  ought  to  give  God  the  praife  of 
what  he  has  formerly  done  for  his  people,  to  reprefentour 
own  grievance^,  or  fympathize  with  thofe  parts  of  the 
church  that  are  in  difrrefs,  to  engage  ouifelves,  whatever 
happens,  to  cleave  to  God  and  duty,  and  then  cheerfully 
to  wait  t h e  event. 

To 


PSALM    XLIV.  109 

To  tbe  chief  mufician  for  the  Tons  of  Korah,  rvlafchil. 

OGod,  we  with  cur  ears  have  heard, 
our  fathers  have  us  told 
What  works  thou  in  their  days  hadft 
ev'n  in  the  days  of  old.  (done, 

2  Thy  hand  did  drive  the  heathen  out, 

and  plant  them  in  their  place; 
Thou  didft  afflict  the  nations, 
but  them  thou  didft  increafe. 

3  For  neither  got  their  fword  the  land, 

nor  did  their  arm  them  fave : 
But  thy  right  hand,  arm,  countenance; 
for  thou  them  favour  gave. 

4  Thou  art  my  King:  for  Jacob,  Lord, 

deliverances  command. 

5  Through  thee  we  fhall  pufh.  down  our 

that  do  againft  us  ftand :         (foes 

We,  through  thy  name,  fhall  tread  down 

that  ris'n  againft  us  have.        (thofe 

6  For  in  my  bow  I  fhall  not  truft, 

nor  fhall  my  fword  me  fave. 

7  But  from  our  foes  thou  haft  us  favM, 

our  haters  put  to  fhame. 

8  In  God  we  all  the  day  do  boaft, 

and  ever  praife  thy  name. 

9  But  now  we  are  caft  off  by  thee* 

and  us  thou  putt-fl  to  lhame: 

And 


no        PSALM    XLIV. 

And  when  our  armies  do  go  forth, 
thou  go'ft  not  with  the  fame. 

10  Thou  mak'ft  us  from  the  enemy, 

faint-hearted,  to  turn  back : 
And  they  who  hate  us,  for  themfelves 
our  fpoils  away  do  take. 

1 1  Like  fheep  for  meat  thou  gaveft  us: 

'mong  heathen  caft  we  be. 

1 2  Thou  didft  for  nought  thy  people  fell, 

their  price  enrich'd  not  thee. 

13  Thou  mak'ft  us  a  reproach  to  be 

unto  our  neighbours  near; 
Derifion  and  a  fcorn  to  them 
that  round  about  us  are. 

14  A  by-word  alfo  thou  doft  us 

among  the  heathen  make : 
The  people,  in  contempt  and  fpite, 
at  us  their  heads  do  fhake. 

15  Before  me  my  confuiion 

continually  abides; 
And  of  my  bafhful  countenance 
the  fhame  me  ever  hides. 

16  For  voice  of  him  that  doth  reproach 

and  fpeaketh  blafphemy; 
By  reafon  of  th*  avenging  foe, 
and  cruel  enemy. 

17  All  this  is  come  on  us;  yet  wre 

have  not  forgotten  thee, 

Nor 


PSALM    XLIV.         1 1 1 

Nor  falfely  in  thy  covenant 
behav'd  ourfelves  have  we.    (turn'd, 

1 8  Back  from  thy  way  our  heart  not 

our  fteps  no  ftraying  made:     (place, 

19  Though  us  thou  brak'il  in  dragons 

and  cover'dft  with  death's  fhade. 

20  If  we  God's  name  forgot,  or  firetch'd 

to  a  ftrange  god  our  hands: 

21  Shall  not  God  fearch  this  out?  for  he 

heart's  fecrets  underfiands. 

22  Yea,  for  thy  fake  we're  kill'd  all  day, 

counted  as  fiaughter-fheep. 

23  Rife,  Lord,  call  us  not  ever  off; 

awake,  why  do  ft  thou  fleep  ? 

24  O  wherefore  hideft  thou  thy  face? 

forgett'ft  our  cafe  diftrefs'd, 

25  And  our  oppreffion?  For  our  foul 

is  to  the  duft  down  prefs'd; 
Our  belly  alio  on  the  earth, 
faft  cleaving  hold  doth  take. 

26  Rife  for  our  help,  and  us  redeem, 

ev'n  for  thy  mercies  fake. 

PSALM    XLV. 

This  pfalm  is  an  illuftnous  prophefy  of  Me  ffi  ah  the  prince;  it 
is  all  over  gofpel,  and*  points  at  him  only  as  a  bridegroom 
cfpoufmg  the  church  to  himfelf,  and  as  a  king  ruling  in  ir? 
and  ruling  for  it :  and  it  is  probable  our  Sa-.inur  has  refer- 
en.ee  to  this  pfalm,  when  he  compares  £jk  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven more  than  once,  to  a  nuptial  folemmty ,  the  fofemnity 
of  a  royal  nuptial,  Mattr*  xxii.  2. — xxv.L  We  have  no 
rtaiou  to  think  it  has  any  reference  to  Solomon Vm«rruge 

*it* 


ii2        PSALM    XLV. 

with  Pharaoh's  daughter;  if  I  thought  it  had  reference  to 
any  other  than  the  myftica!  marriage  between  Chrift  and 
his  church,  I  would  rainer  apply  it  to  fomeof  David's  mar- 
riages, becaufe  he  was* a  man  of  war,  fuch  a  one  as  the 
Bridegroom  here  is  described  to  be  winch  golomM  Hds  not: 
but  1  take  it  to  be  purely  and  only  meant  of  Jefus  Chrift; 
of  him  fpeaketh  th.e  prophet  this,  of  him,  and  of  no  other 
man  ;  and  to  him,  verf.  6.  7.  is  applied  in  the  New  Tefta- 
ment,  Heb.  i.  8.  nor  can  it  be  underftoodof  any  other.  The 
preface  fpeaks  the  excelhncy  of  the  fong,  verf.  1.  The  pfalm 
/peaks,  (i.)  Of  the  royal  brilegroom,  who  is  Chrift.  Iv 
Thetranfcendant  excellency  of  his  perfen,  verf.  2.  2.  The 
glory  of  his  victories,  verf.  3.  4.  5.  3.  The  righteoufnefs  of 
his  government,  verf.  6.  7.  4.  The  fplendor  of  his  court, 
verf.  8.  9.  (%.)  Of  the  royal  bride,  which  is  the  church. 
I.  Her  confent  gained,  verf.  10.  n.  2.  The  nuptial  fo- 
lemnized,  verf.  12.  to  15.  (3.)  The  iflue  cf  this  marriage, 
verf.  16.  17.  In  fingingthis  pfalm,  our  hearts  muft  be  fill- 
ed with  high  thoughts  of  chril't,  with  an  entire  fubmifljon 
to,  and  fatisfacrion  in  his  government,  and  earned  defire  of 
the  enlarging  and  perpetuating  of  his  church  in  the  world, 

To  the  chief  roufician   upon  Shofi.annim,  for  the  fons  of  Ko- 
ran, Mafchil,  A  long  of  loves. 

T\/T  Y  heart  brings  forth  a  goodly  thing: 
-*-  -*-      my  works  that  I  indite, 
Concern  the  King:  my  tongue's  a  pen 
of  one  that  fwift  doth  write. 

2  Thou  fairer  art  than  fons  of  men : 

into  thy  lips  is  ftor£ 
Of  grace  infusM :  God  therefore  thee 
hath  blefs'd  for  evermore, 

3  O  thou  that  art  the  mighty  Orft, 

thy  fword  gird  on  thy  thigh : 
Ev'n  with  thy  glory  excellent, 
and  with  thy  majefiy. 

4  For  meeknefs,truth,  and  righteoufnefs, 

in  ftate  ride  profpVoufly: 

And 


PSALM    XLV.         n5 

And  thy  right  hand  fhall  thee  inftruft 
in  things  that  fearful  be. 

5  Thine  arrows  fharply  pierce  the  hearts 

of  th'  enmies  of  the  King; 
And  under  thy  fubjeftion 
the  people  down  do  bring. 

6  For  ever  and  for  ever  is, 

O  God,  thy  throne  of  might : 
The  fceptre  of  thy  kingdom  is 
a  fceptre  that  is  right. 

7  Thou  lovelt  right,  and  hateft  ill : 

for  God,  thy  God  moft  high, 
Above  thy  fellows  hath  with  th*  oil 
of  joy  anointed  thee. 

8  Of  aloes,  myrrh,  and  caffia, 

a  fmell  thy  garments  had; 
Out  of  the  iv'ry  palaces, 

whereby  they  made  thee  glad. 

9  Among  thy  women  honourable, 

kings  daughters  were  at  hand : 
Upon  thy  right  hand  did  the  queen 
in  gold  of  Ophir  ftand. 
io  O  daughter,  hearken  and  regard, 
and  do  thine  ear  incline; 
Likewife  forget  thy  father's  houfe, 
and  people  that  are  thine. 
1 1  Then  of  the  King  defir'd  fhall  be 
thy  beauty  veh'mently: 

H  Becaufe 


ii4        PSALM    XLV. 

Becaufe  he  is  thy  Lord,  do  thou 
him  worfhip  reverently. 

1 2  The  daughter  there  of  Tyre  fhall  be 

with  gifts  and  offerings  great: 
Thofe  of  the  people  that  are  rich, 
thy  favour  fhall  intreat. 

1 3  Behold,  the  daughter  of  the  King 

all  glorious  is  within  j 
And  with  embroideries  of  gold 
her  garments  wrought  have  been. 

14  She  fhall  be  brought  unto  the  King- 

in  robes  with  needle  wrought: 
Her  fellow-virgins  following, 
fhall  unto  thee  be  brought. 

15  They  fhall  be  brought  with  gladnefs 

and  mirth  on  ev'ry  fide,      (great, 
Into  the  palace  of  the  King, 
and  there  they  fhall  abide. 

1 6  Inftead  of  thofe  thy  fathers  dear, 

thy  children  thou  mayft  take, 
And  in  all  places  of  the  earth 
them  noble  princes  make. 

1 7  Thy  name  rememb'red  I  will  make, 

through  ages  all  to  be : 
The  people  therefore  evermore 
fhall  praifes  give  to  thee. 

Antfhcr 


PSALM    XLV.        115 

Another  of  the  fame. 

MY  heart  inditing  is 
good  matter  in  a  fong  : 
I  ipeak  the  things  that  I   have  made, 

which  to  the  King  belong  : 
My  tongue  mall  be  as  quick 

his  honour  to  indite. 
As  is  the  pen  of  ar.y  fcribc 
that  uieth  fa  ft  to   write, 
a  Thou'rt  faireft  of  all  men. 

grace  in  thy  Jips  doth  flow: 
And  therefore  bleffibgs  evermore 
on  thee  doth   God  bellow. 
$  Thy  fword  gird  en  thy  thigh, 
thou  that  art  moft  of  might; 
Appear  in  dreadful  majeity, 
and  in   thy  glory  bright. 

4  For  meekneis,  truth,  and  right, 

ride  proip'roully  in  ft  ate  : 
And  thy  right  hand  ftiall  teach  to  thee 
things  terrible  and  great. 

5  Thy  (bafts  Ihail  pierce  their  hearts 

that  foes  are  to  the  King, 
Whereby  into  fubjeclion 

the  people  thou  ihalt  bring, 

6  Thy  royal  feat,  O   Lord, 

for  ever  Hi  all  remain  '. 
The  feeptre  of  thy  kingdom  doth 
all  righteouineis  maintain. 

7  Thou  lov'ft  right  and  hat'ft  ill: 

for  God  thy  God  molt  high, 
Above  thy  fellows  hath  with  th'  oil 

of  joy  anointed  thee. 
S  Of  myrrh   and  ipices  fweet. 

a  imell  thy  garments  had? 
Out  of  the  iv'ry  palaces 

whereby  they   made  thee  glad. 

9  And  in   thy  glorious  train, 

kings  daughters  waiting  (land: 

And  thy  fair  queen,  in   Opbir-gold* 

doth  ftand  at  thy  right  hand. 

10  O  daughter,  take  good  heed, 

incline,  and  give  good  ear: 
Thou  muft  forget  thy  kindred  all, 
and  father's  houfe  molt  dear. 
XI  Thy  beauty  to  the  King 
ihail  then   delightful  be  : 
And  do  thou  humbly  worfhip  him, 
becaufc  thy  Lord  is  he. 

Ha  I*  The 


1 


n6        PSALM    XLV. 

*2  The  daughter  then  of  Tyre 
there  with  a  gift  fhall  be, 
And  all  the  wealthy  of  the  land 
fhalL  make  their  fuit  to  thee. 
13  The  daughter  of  the  King 
all  glorious  is  within; 
And  with   embroideries  of  gold, 
her  garments  wrought  have  bceiw 
J4  She  cometh  to  the  King 

10  robes  with  needle  wrought  : 
The  virgins  that  do  follow  her 
(hall  unto  thee  be  brought. 
15  They  lhall  be  brought  with  joy,. 
and  mirth  on  ev'ry  fide, 
Into  the  palace  of  the  King, 
and  there  they  fhall  abide. 
26  And  in  thy  fathers  (lead, 

thy  children  thou  mayft  take, 
And  in  all  places  of  the  earth, 
them  noble  princes  make. 
17  I  will  (hew  forth  thy  name 
to  generations  all : 
Therefore  the  people  evermore 
to  thee  give  praifes  fhall. 

PSALM    XLVI. 

This  pfalm  encoungeth  us  to  hope  and  truft  in  God,  and  hi* 
power  and  providence,  anil  gracious  prefence  with  his 
church  in  the  word  of  times,  and  directs  us  to  give  him  the 
glory  of  what  he  has  done  for  us,  and  what  he  will  do: 
probably  it  was  penned  upon  occafion  of  David's  victories 
over  the  neighbour  nations,  z.  Sam.  viii.  and  the  reft  which 
God  gave  him  from  all  his  enemies  round  about.  We  are 
here  taught,  (1.)  To  take  comfort  in  God,  when  things 
look  very  black  and  threatening,  verf.  I. — 5.  (2.)  To 
mention  to  hispraife  the  great  things  he  has  wrought  for 
his  church  againft  its  enemies,  verf.  6. — 9.  (3.)  To  aiTnre 
ourfeives,  that  God,  who  hath  glorified  his  own  name,  will 
glorify  it  yet  again,  and  to  comfort  ourlelves  with  that, 
verf,  10,  11.  We  may,  in  finging  it,  apply  it  either  to  our 
fpirituaj  enemies,  and  the  encouragement  we  have  to  hope 
that  through  Chrilt  we  (hail  be  more  than  conquerors  over 
them  ;  or  to  the  publick  enemies  of  ChrihVs  kingdom  in  the 
world,  and  their  threatening  infults,  endeavouring  to  pre- 
serve a  holy  fecurity  and  ferenity  of  mind,  when  they  feem 
moft  formidable.  It  is  faid  of  Luther,  that  when  he  heard 
any  difcouraging  news,  he  would  fay,  Come,  let  us  fing 
the  forty-fjxth  pfalm. 

T» 


PSALM    XLVI.        117 

To  the  chief  mufician  for  the  Tons  of  Korah,  A  fong  upon. 
Alamoth. 

GOD  is  our  refuge  andourftrength, 
in  ftraits  a  prefent  aid. 

2  Therefore,  although  the  earth  remove, 

we  will  not  be  afraid : 
Though  hills  amidft  the  fea  be  caft. 

3  Though  waters  roring  make, 
And  troubled  be ;  yea,  though  the  hills 

by  fwelling  feas  do  fhake. 

4  A  river  is,  whofe  ftreams  do  glad 

the  city  of  our  God : 
The  holy  place,  wherein  the  Lord 
moft  High  hath  his  abode. 

5  God  in  the  midft  of  her  doth  dwell; 

nothing  fhall  her  remove : 

The  Lord  to  her  an  helper  will, 

and  that  right  early,  prove. 

6  The  heathen  rag'd  tumultuoufly, 

the  kingdoms  moved  were: 

The  Lord  God  uttered  his  voice, 

the  earth  did  melt  for  fear. 

7  The  Lord  of  hofts  upon  our  fide 

doth  conftantfy  remain : 
The  God  of  Jacob's  our  refuge, 
us  fafely  to  maintain.  (works 

8  Come,  and  behold  what  wondrous 

have  by  the  Lord  been  wrought : 

Come, 


n8        PSALM    XLVL 

Come,  fee  what  defolations 

he  on  the  earth  hath  brought. 

9  Unto  the  ends  of  all  the  earth 

wars  into  peace  he  turns : 
The  bow  he  breaks,  the  fpear  he  cuts, 
in  fire  the  chariot  burns, 

10  Be  ftill,  and  know  that  I  am  God; 

among  the  heathen  I 
Will  be  exalted,  I  on  earth 
will  be  exalted  high. 

1 1  Our  God,  who  is  the  Lord  of  hofts, 

is  ftill  upon  our  fide: 
The  God  of  Jacob  our  refuge 
for  ever  will  abide. 

PSALM     XLVIL 

The  fcope  of  this  pfalm  is  to  ftir  us  up  to  praife  God,  to  ftir 
up  all  people  to  do  it ;  and,  (i.)  We  are  directed  in  what 
manner  to  do  it ;  publicly,  cheerfully,  and  intelligently, 
verf.  I.  6.  7.  (2)  We  are  furnifhed  with  matter  for  praife.' 
I.  God's  majefty,  verf.  %.  2.  His  fovereign  and  univerfal 
dominion,  verf.  2.  7.  8.  9.  3.  The  great  things  he  had 
done,  and  would  do  for  his  people,  verf.  3.  4.  5.  many 
fuppofe,  that  this  pfalm  was  penned  upon  occafion  of  the 
bringing  up  <*f  the  ark  to  mount  Sion,  which  verf.  5.  feems 
to  refer  to;  *  God  is  gone  up  with  a  fhout :  '  but  it  looks  fur- 
ther to  the  afcenfion  of  Chrift  into  the  heavenly  Sion,  after 
he  had  finilhtd  his  undertaking  on  e^rth,  and  toihefctting 
up  of  his  kingdom  in  the  world,  to  which  the  heathen 
inould  become  willing  fubjetts.  in  Tinging  this  pfalm,  we 
are  to  give  honour  to  the  exalted  redeemer,  to  rejoice  in 
his  exaltation,  and  to  celebrate  hispraifes,  confefllngthat  he 
is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 


T« 


PSALM    XLVII.        n9 

To  the  chief  raufician,  A  pfalm  for  thefonsof  Xorah. 

AL  L  people,  clap  your  hands,  to  God 
with  voice  of  triumph  fhout : 

2  For  dreadful  is  the  Lord  moft  high ; 

great  King  the  earth  throughout. 

3  The  heathen  people  under  us 

he  furelv  fhall  fubdue, 
And  he  fhall  make  the  nations 
under  our  feet  to  bow. 

4  The  lot  of  our  inheritance 

choofe  out  for  us  fhall  he, 
Of  Jacob  whom  he  loved  well, 
ev'n  the  excellency. 

5  God  is  with  fhouts  gone  up,  the  Lord 

with  trumpets  founding  high. 

6  Sing  praife  to  God,  fing  praife,  fing 

praife  to  our  King  fmg  ye.     (praife, 

7  For  God  is  King  of  all  the  earth, 

with  knowledge  praife  exprefs. 

8  God  rules  the  nations,  God  fits  on 

his  throne  of  holinefs. 

9  The  princes  of  the  people  are 

affembled  willingly; 
Ev'n  of  the  God  of  Abraham 

they  who  the  people  be. 
For  why  ?  the  fhields  that  do  defend 

the  earth,  are  only  his: 
They  to  the  Lord  belong ;  yea,  he 

exalted  greatly  is. 


i2o        PSALM    XLVni. 

This  pfalm,  as  the  two  former,  is  a  triumphant  fong;  fome 
think  it  was  penned  on  occafion  of  Jehofhaphat's  victory, 
%  Chron.  xx;  others,  of  tlie  rout  given  to  Sennacherib, 
when  his  army  laid  fiege  to  Jerufalern  in  Hezekiah's  time; 
but,  for  ought  I  know,  it  might  be  penned  by  David,  upon 
occafion  of  lbme  eminent  victory  obtained  in  his  time  ;  yet 
not  fo  calculated  for  that,  but  that  it  might  ferveany  other 
the  like  occafion  in  after  times,  and  be  applicable  alfo  to 
the  glories  of  the  gofpel-church,  of  which  Jerufalern  was  a 
type,  efpecially  when  it  mall  come  to  be  a  church-trium- 
phant, *  the  heavenly  Jerufalern,'  Heb.  xii.  22.  *  the  Je- 
*  rufaiem  which  is  above,'  Gal.  iv.  26.  Jerufalern.  is  here 
praifed,  (1.)  For  its  relation  to  God,  verf.  I.  2.  (2.)  For 
God's  care  of  it,  verf.  3.  (3.)  For  the  terror  it  ftrikes  upon 
3ts  enemies,  ver.  4. — 7,  (4)  For  the  pleafure  it  gives  to  its 
•  friends,  who  delight  to  think,  1.  Of  what  God  has  done, 
doth,  and  will  do,  forit,  verf.  8.  2.  Of  the  gracious  dif- 
coveries  he  makes  of  himfelf,  in  and  for  that  holy  city, 
verf.  9.  10.  3.  Of  the  effectual  provifion  which  is  made  for 
itsfafety,  verf.  II.  12.  13.  4.  Of  the  afTurance  we  have 
of  the  perpetuity  of  God's  covenant  with  the  children  of 
JSion,  verf.  14.  In  flnging  this  pfalm,  we  mud  be  affected 
with  thepriviledge  we  have  as  members  of  thegofpel  church, 
and  muft  exprefs  and  excite  our  fincere  good-will  to  all  its 
interefts. 

A  fong  and  pfalm  for  the  fons  of  Korah. 

GREAT  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  he 
is  to  be  praifed  ftill 
Within  the  city  of  our  God, 
upon  his  holy  hill. 

2  Mount  Sion  Hands  moft  beautiful, 

the  joy  of  all  the  land  ; 
The  city  of  the  mighty  King 
on  her  north  fide  doth  ftand. 

3  The  Lord  within  her  palaces 

is  for  a  refuge  known. 

4  For  lo,  the  kings  that  gathered  were, 

together  by  have  gone. 

5  But 


PSALM    XL VIII.         121 

5  But  when  they  did  behold  the  fame, 

they  wondering  would  not  ftay: 
But,  being  troubled  at  the  Tight, 
they  thence  did  hafte  away: 

6  Great  terror  there  took  hold  on  them, 

they  were  poffefs'd  with  fear, 
Their  grief  came  like  a  woman's  pain, 
when  fhe  a  child  doth  bear. 

7  Thou  Tarfhifh  {hips  with  eaft-wind 

8  As  we  have  heard  it  told;    (break'ft: 
So  in  the  city  of  the  Lord 

our  eyes  did  it  behold : 
In  our  God's  city,  which  his  hand 
for  ever  ftablifh  will. 

9  We  of  thy  loving-kindnefs  thought, 

Lord,  in  thy  temple  ftill. 

10  O  Lord,  according  to  thy  name, 

through  all  the  earth's  thy  praife: 
And  thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  is  full 
of  righteoufnefs  always. 

1 1  Becaufe  thy  judgments  are  made 

let  Sion  mount  rejoice  ;     (known, 
Of  Judah  let  the  daughters  all 
fend  forth  a  cheerful  voice. 

12  Walk  about  Sion,  and  go  round; 

the  high  tow'rs  thereof  tell. 

13  Confider  ye  her  palaces, 

and  mark  her  bulwarks  well; 

That 


122         PSALM    XLIX. 

That  ye  may  tell  poflerity. 
14     For  this  God  doth  abide 

Our  God  for  evermore;  he  will 
ev'n  unto  death  us  guide. 

PSALM    XLIX, 

This  pfalm  is  a  fermon,  and  fo  is  the  next.  In  moir  of  the 
pfalms  we  have  the  penman  praying  or  praifing;  in  thefe 
we  have  him  preaching;  and  it  is  our  duty  in  finging  pfalms, 
to  teach  and  admonifth  ourfelves,  and  one  another.  The 
icope  and  defign  of  this  difcourfe,  is  to  convince  the  men 
of  this  world  of  their  fin  and  folly,  in  fetting  their  hearts 
upon  the  things  of  this  world,  and  fo  to  perfuade  them  to 
leek  the  things  of  a  better  world;  as  alio  to  comfort  the 
people  of  God,  in  reference  to  their  own  troubles,  and  the 
grief  that  arifeth  from  the  profpeiity  of  the  wicked.  (1-)  la 
the  preface,  he  propofeth  to  awaken  wordly  people  cut  of 
their  fecurity,  verf.  I.  a.  3.;  and  to  comfort  him felf,  and 
other  godly  people,  in  a  day  of  diftrefs,  verf.  4.  5.  (2.)  In 
the  reft  of  the  pfalm,  (i.)  He  endeavours  to  convince  fin- 
ners  of  their  folly  in  doting  upon  the  wealth  of  this  world, 
by  ihewing  them,  I.  That  they  cannot  with  all  their  wealth 
fave  their  friends  from  death,  verf.  6. — 9.  2.  They  cannot 
fave  themfelves  from  death,  verf.  10.  3.  They  cannot  fe- 
cure  to  themfelves  a  happinefs  in  this  world,  verf.  11.  12. 
Much  lefs,  4.  Can  they  fecure  to  themfelves  a  happinefs  in 
the  other  world,  verf.  14.  (2.)  He  endeavours  to  comfort 
himfelf,  and  other  good  people,  I.  Againft  the  fear  of 
death,  verf.  15.  2.  Againft  the  fear  of  the  profpering 
power  of  wicked  people,  verf.  16. — 20.  In  finging  this 
pfalm,  let  us  receive  thefe  inihuctions,  and  be  wife. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  for  the  fons  of  Korah. 

"EAR  this  all  people,  and  give  ear, 
jl     all  in  the  world  that  dwell: 

2  Both  low  and  high,  both  rich  and  poor. 

3  My  mouth  {hall  wifdom  tell : 
My  heart  {hall  knowledge  meditate. 

4  I  will  incline  mine  ear 

To 


PSALM    XLIX.         123 

To  parables,  and  on  the  harp 
my  fayings  dark  declare. 

5  Amidft  thofe  days  that  evil  be, 

why  fhould  I,  fearing,  doubt? 
When  of  my  heels  th'  iniquity 
fhall  compafs  me  about. 

6  Whoe'er  they  be  that  in  their  wealth 

their  confidence  do  pitch, 
And  boaft  themfel  ves,  becaufe  they  are 
become  exceeding  rich. 

7  Yet  none  of  thefe  his  brother  can 

redeem  by  any  way ; 
Nor  can  he  unto  God  for  him 
fufficient  ranfom  pay: 

8  (Their  fours  redemption  precious  is, 

and  it  can  never  be) 

9  That  (till  he  fhould  for  ever  live, 

and  not  corruption  fee. 

I  o  For  why  ?  he  feeth  that  wife  men  die, 

and  brutifh  fools  alfo 
Do  perifh,  and  their  wealth,  when  dead, 
to  others  they  let  go. 

I I  Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their 

and  dwelling-places  fhall     (houfe, 
Stand  through  all  ages ;  they  their  lands 

by  their  own  names  do  call. 
1 2  But  yet  in  honour  fhall  not  man 

abide  continually: 

But 


i24        PSALM    XLIX. 

But  paffing  hence,  maybe  compared 
unto  the  beafts  that  die. 

13  Thus,  brutifh  folly  plainly  is 

their  wifdom,  and  their  way; 
Yet  their  poftei-ity  approve 
what  they  do  fondly  fay. 

14  Like  iheep  they  in  the  grave  are  laid, 

and  death  lhall  them  devour; 
And,  in  the  morning,  upright  men 

fnall  over  them  have  pow'r; 
Their  beauty,  from  their  dwelling,  fhall 

confume  within  the  grave. 
1 5But  from  hell's  handGod  will  me  free, 

for  he  fhall  me  receive. 

16  Be  thou  not  then  afraid,  when  one 

enriched  thou  doft  fee, 
Nor  when  the  glory  of  his  houfe 
advanced  is  on  high. 

17  For  he  fhall  carry  nothing  hence, 

when  death  his  days  doth  end  : 
Nor  fhall  his  glory  after  him 
into  the  grave  defcend. 

1 8  Although  he  his  own  foul  did  blefs, 

whilft  he  on  earth  did  live : 
(And  when  thou  to  thyfelf  doft  well j 
men  will  thee  praifes  give) 

19  He  to  his  father's  race  fhall  go, 

they  never  fhall  fee  light. 

20  Man 


PSALM    L.  12$ 

20  Man  honour'd,  wanting  knowledge, 
like  beafts  that  periih  quite.        (is 

PSALM    L. 

This  pfalm,  as  the  former,  is  a  pfalm  of  initru£lion,  not  of 
prayer  or  praiie  ;  it  is  a  pfalm  of  reproof  and  admonition, 
in  frnging  of  which  we  are  to  teach  and  admoniih  one  ano- 
ther. In  the  foregoing  pfalm,  after  a  general  demand  of 
attention,  God  by  his  prophet  deals,  verf.  3.  with  the  chil- 
dren of  this  world,  to  convince  them  of  their  fin  and  folly, 
in  letting  their  hearts  upon  the  wealth  of* this  world;  in 
this  pfalm.  :  preface,    he  deals  with    thofe  that 

were  in  profelnon  the  church's   children,   to  cons  ince  them 
of  their  nn  and  folly,   in  placing  their  religion  in  ritual  ser- 
vices, '  ;ne'"s  j   a.,d 
as  iure  a  way  to  ruin  as  the  other.    This      aim  is  intended, 
I.   Asa  reproof  to   the  c  (c  that  rerted 
in  the  eternal  performances  of  their  religion,  and  were  re- 
m:fs  in  the  more  excellent  duties  of  prayer  and  praifi 
thofe  that  expounded  the  law  to  ethers,  but  iived    wicked 
lives  themselves.     2.   As  a  prediction    oi 
the  ceremonial  law,  and  of  the  introducing  of   a   fpiritoaJ 
way  of  worihip,   in    and  by   the   kingdom   of  the   &! 
John   iv.  23.  24.     3.  As  a   repreientation   of  the    nay  i>t 
Judgment,   in  which  God  will  call  men  to  an  account  con- 
cerning their  obfervance   of  thofe  things 
thus  been  taught;    men  fhall  be  judged  •  according  n 
'  is  written  in  the  hooks;'  and   thercf,  re   Chrut  is  fitly  re- 
prefentcd  fpeaking  as  ajndge,  then  when  he  freaks   as  a 
lawgiver.     Here   is,  (1.)  The   glorious  appeal 
Prince  that  gives  law  and  judgment,  irerf.   i. — 6.  (2.)   In- 
ftruclion  given  to  his  worihippers  to  turn  their  ucrihees  in- 
to prayers,  verf.   7 — 15.     (3.)   A  rebuke  to  thole  that  pre- 
tend to  worihip  God,   but  live  in  difobedience  to  hft 
mands,  verf.   16. — 20.;   their  doom    read,    verf.  21.   %%.\ 
and  warning  given  to  all  to  look  to  their  c'oi  \ 
well  as  to  their  devotions,  verf.  23.  And  theie  inftn 
and  admonitions  we  mud  take  to  c  2  to  ore 
another  in  Tinging  this  pfalm. 

A  pfalm   of  Aiaph. 

THE  mighty  God  the  Lord 
hath  fpoken,  and  did  call 
The  earth  from  rifmg  of  the  ft  uXJ    r\  • 

to  where  he  hath   his  fail. 
%  From  out  of  Sion  hill, 
which  of  excellency, 

And 


ii6  PSALM    L, 

And  d   is, 

God  Qrined 
5  Onr  G:  net 

ke:p   .    I 
Be:"  sat  ftorms 

in  be. 

4  Unto  the 

he  from   i  call, 

And  to  :  _:  he 

may  Judge  his  people 

5  Togc       r  fet-i 

unto  me  gather'd  be, 
Theft  tl  ■  :ve  made 

a  covenant  with  me. 

6  And  then  the  he?.. 

his  rlfbteoofiiefe  declare: 
Beca.  is  ht 

i.  are. 

7  Ify  ear, 

I  from  os 
Aral  teftifr, 

God,   ev'n 

8  I,   :  rice, 

II  the  by, 
N ;  -  :  :  >  m  f 

the  ; 

9  Til   tal :  ooa  ::s, 

fold  of  thine. 
[o  Foi  .  cattle  ail 

aland  hiils  ire  n 
II   T;.  high, 

ire  . 
V"  i:h  in  the  fields  do  jy. 

I    . ;.-  ire  ill  mine  owil 
Z2   Then,   if  were, 

Dot  tell  it  thee: 
Ere:  ibd  rnlnefi  all, 

-    ...-■-   belongs  tn  n-.e. 

rulls? 
or  eoats  blood  ill  I  ? 

.     -.rou  to  God,  and  pay 
:  'u. . 
Ijj    A;-.  . 

in   trouble  then 
I  uili  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
m  y 
■ 
Gcc 
Should!!  thon  declare:  how  dar'll  thou  take 
r.  s Btb ;  I; 


P  S  A  L  M    L.  127 

17  Sith  thou  inftruclion  hat'ft, 

which   fhould  thy  ways  direct : 
And,  Sith   my  words  behind  thy  back 
thou  caft'ft  and  doft  reject. 

18  When  thou  a  thief  didft  fee, 

with  him  thou  didft  confent; 
and  with  the  vile  adulterers 
partaker  on  thou  went. 

19  Thou  giv'ft  thy  mouth   to  ill, 

thy  tongue  deceit  doth  frame. 

30  Thou  fitt'ft  and  'gain ft  thy  hrother  ipeak'M, 

thy  mother's  fon  doft  mame. 

31  Becaufe  I  filence  kept, 

while  thou  thefe  things  haft  wrought; 
That  I  was  altogether  like 

thyfelf  hath  been  thy  thought: 
Yet   I  will  thee  reprove, 

and  fet  before  thine  eyes 
In  order  ranked  thy  mifdeeds, 

and  thine  iniquities. 
2%  Now,  ye  that  God  forget, 

this  carefully  confider; 
Left  I  in  pieces  tear  you  all, 

and  none  can  you  deliver. 
23  Whofo  doth  offer  praife, 

me  glorifies,  and   I 
will  (hew  him  God's  falvation, 

that  orders  right  his  way. 

Another  of  the  fame, 

HP  HE  mightyGod  the  Lord  hath  fpoke 
and  called  the  earth  upon, 
Ev'n  from  the  rifing  of  the  fun, 
unto  his  going  down. 

2  From  out  of  Sion,  his  own  hill, 

where  the  perfection  high 
Of  beauty  is,  from  thence  the  Lord 
hath  fhined  glorioufly. 

3  Our  God  fhall  come,  and  fhall  no  more 

be  filent,  but  fpeak  out: 

Before 


128  P  S  A  L  M    L. 

Before  him  fire  (hall  wafte,  great  ftormi 
fhall  compafs  him  about. 

4  He  to  the  heavens  from  above, 

and  to  the  earth  below, 
Shall  call,  that  he  his  judgments  may, 
before  his  people  fhow. 

5  Let  all  my  faints  together  be 

unto  me  gathered: 
Thofe  that  by  facrifice  with  me 
a  covenant  have  made. 

6  And  then  the  heavens  fhall  declare 

his  righteoufnefs  abroad : 
Becaufe  the  Lord  himfelf  doth  come, 

none  elfe  is  judge  but  God. 
.7  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I'll  fpeak; 

O  Ifrael  by  name, 
Againft  the  I  will  teftify, 

God,  ev'n  thy  God  I  am. 

8  I,  for  thy  facrifices  few, 

reprove  thee  never  will; 
Nor  for  burnt-ofPrings  to  have  been 
before  me  off'red  ftill. 

9  I'll  take  no  bullock,  nor  he-goats, 

from  houfe  nor  folds  of  thine. 
i  o  For  beafts  of  forefts,  cattle  all 

on  thoufand  hills,  are  mine. 
1 1  The  fowls  are  all  to  me  well  known, 

that  mountains  high  do  vield : 

And 


PSALM    L.  129 

And  I  do  challenge  as  mine  own 
the  wild  beafts  of  the  field. 

12  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not 

to  thee  for  need  complain; 
For  earth,  and  all  its  fulnefs,  doth 
to  me  of  right  pertain. 

13  That  I,  to  eat  the  flefh  of  bulls, 

take  pleafure,  doft  thou  think  ? 
Or  that  Tneed,  to  quench  my  third, 
the  blood  of  goats  to  drink? 

1 4  Nay,  rather  unto  me  thy  God, 

thankfgiving  offer  thou ; 
To  the  Mod  High  perform  thy  word, 
and  fully  pay  thy  vow. 

15  And,  in  the  day  of  trouble  great, 

fee  that  thou  call  on  me; 
I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
my  name  fhalt  glorify. 

1 6  But  God  unto  the  wicked  faith, 

Why  fhouldft  thou  mention  make 
Of  my  commands?  howdar'ftthouin 
thy  mouth  my  cov'nant  take? 

1 7  Sith  it  is  fo,  that  thou  doft  hate 

all  good  inftru&ion : 
And  fith  thou  caft'ft  behind  thy  back, 
and  flight'ft  my  wrords  each  one. 

1 8  When  thou  a  thief  didft  fee,  then 
thoujoin'dftwithhimiufm,    (ftraight 

I  And 


i3o  P  S  A  L  M    L. 

And  with  the  vile  adulterers 
thou  haft  partaker  been. 

19  Thy  mouth  to  evil  thou  doft  give, 

thy  tongue  deceit  doth  frame. 

20  Thou  fitt'ft,  and  'gainft  thy  brother 
thy  mother's  ion  to  ihame.  (fpeak'ft, 

2 1  Theie  things  thou  wickedly  haft  done, 

and  I  have  iilent  been ; 
Thou  thought'ft  that  I  was  like  thyfelf, 
and  did  approve  thy  fin: 
But  I  will  fharply  thee  reprove, 

and  I  will  order  right 
Thy  Tins  and  thy  tranlgreffions, 
in  prefence  of  thy  fight. 

22  Confider  this,  and  be  afraid, 

ye  that  forget  the  Lord, 
Left  I  in  pieces  tear  you  all, 
when  none  can  help  afford. 

23  Who  off'reth  praile,  me  glorifies: 

I  will  fhew  God's  falvation 
To  him  that  ordereth  aright 
his  life  and  converfation. 

P  S  A  L  M    LL 

Though  David  permed  this  pfalm  upon  a  very  particular   00 
caiior . 

it  is  the  molt  eminent  of  the  penitential  pfalrcs,  an- 
exprc:  and  deiires  of  a   repen: 

I:  '-  ;.  :y  indeed,  that  in  our  devout  aHdrctfes  to  G: 
Ihould  have  any  thing  eiie  to  do  but  to  praife  God,  ft 
is  the  work  of  heaven;    but  we  nal  rk   for  our- 

>cs;  by  our  own  £ns  and  fclli  v.e  to  the 

thrc 


PSALM    LI.  131 

throne  of  grace  in  the  p^fture  of  penitents,  to  confefs  our 
fins,  and  fiue  for  the  grace  of  God  ;  and  if  therein  we  would 
take  with  us  words,  we  can  no  where  find  any  more  appo- 
fite  than  in  this  pfaim,  which  is  the  record  of  David's  re* 
pentance  for  his  fin,  in  the  matter  of  Uriah,  which  was 
thegreatefi:  blemifh  upon  his  characlcr  ;  ail  the  red:  of  his 
faults  were  nothing  to  this;  it  is  laid  of  him,  I  Kings  xv. 
5.  that  l  he  turned  not  afide  from  the  commandment  of 
•  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  his  life,  fave  on  ly  in  the  matter 
f  of  Uriah  the  Hittite.'  In  this  pfalm,  (1.)  He  confefTeth  his 
fin,  verf.  3. — 6.  (2.)  He  prays  earnerfly  for  the  pardon  of 
his  fin,  verf.  I.  2.  7.  8.  (3.)  For  peace  of  confidence, 
verf.  8.  12.  (4.)  For  grace  to  go  and  fin  no  more,  verf. 
10.  II.  14.  (5.)  For  liberty  of  accels  to  Gcd,  verf.  15. 
(6)  He  promifeth  to  do  what  he  could  for  the  good  of  the 
fouls  of  others,  verf.  13.;  and  for  the  glory  of  God,  verf. 
16.  17.  19.  And  laftly,  concludes  with  a  prayer  for  Sion 
and  Jerufalem,  verf.  i3.  Thofc  whole  confidences  charge 
them  with  any  grofs  fin,  fhould,  with  a  helieving  regard 
to  Jefus  Chrift,  the  Mediator,  again  and  again  pray  over 
this  pfalm;  nay,  though  we  have  not  been  guilty  of  adul- 
tery and  murder,  or  any  the  like  enormous  crime,  yet  in 
finging  it,  and  praying  it  over,  we  may  very  fenfibly  ap- 
ply it  all  to  ourfelves,  which  if  we  do  with  fuitable  affecti- 
ons, we  fhall  through  Chrift  find  mercy  to  pardon,  and 
grace  for  feafonable  help. 

To  the  chief  mufician,   A  pfalm  of  David,  when  Nathan  the 
prophet  came  unto  him,  afier  he  had  gone  in  to  Bath-iheba. 

AFTER  thy  loving-kindnefs,  Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  me: 
For  thy  companions  great,  blot  out 
all  mine  iniquity. 

2  Me  cleanfe  from  fin,  and  throughly 

from  mine  iniquity:  (wafh 

3  For  my  tranfgreffions  I  confefs, 

my  fin  I  ever  fee. 

4  'Gainft  thee,  thee  only  have  I  fmn'd, 

in  thy  fight  done  this  ill, 

I  2  That 


r32  PSALM    LL 

That  when  thou  fpeak'ft  thou  may  ft  be 
and  clear  in  judging  ftill.       (juft, 

5  Behold,  I  in  iniquity 

was  form'd  the  womb  within; 
My  mother  alfo  me  conceiv'd 
in  guiltinefs  and  fin. 

6  Behold,  thou  in  the  inward  parts 

with  truth  delighted  art; 
And  wifdom  thou  fhalt  make  me  know 
within  the  hidden  part. 

7  Do  thou  with  hyflbp  fprinkle  me, 

I  fhall  be  cleanfed  fo; 
Yea,  wafh  thou  me,  and  then  I  {hall 
be  whiter  than  the  fnow. 

8  Of  gladnefs  and  of  joyfulnefs 

make  me  to  hear  the  voice; 
That  fo  thefe  very  bones  which  thou 
haft  broken,  may  rejoice. 

9  All  mine  iniquities  blot  out, 

thy  face  hide  from  my  fm. 

10  Create  a  clean  heart,  Lord,  renew 

a  right  fp'rit  me  within. 

1 1  Caft  me  not  from  thy  fight,  nor  take 

thy  holy  Spirit  away. 

12  Reftore  me  thy  falvation's  joy; 

with  thy  free  Sp'rit  me  ftay. 
i  3  Then  will  I  teach  thy  ways  unto 
thofe  that  tranigreflbrs  be; 

And 


PSALM    LI.  133 

And  thofe  that  finncrs  are,  (hall  then 
be  turned  unto  thee. 

14  O  God,  of  my  falvation  God, 

me  from  blood-guiltinefs 
Set  free :  then  fhall  my  tongue  aloud 
fing  of  thy  righteoufnefs. 

15  My  clofed  lips,  O  Lord,  by  thee 

let  them  be  opened, 
Then  fhall  thy  praifes  by  my  mouth 
abroad  be  publifhed. 

16  For  thou  defir'ft  not  facrifice, 

elfe  would  I  give  it  thee; 
Nor  wilt  thou  with  burnt-offering 
at  all  delighted  be. 

17  A  broken  fpirit  is  to  God 

a  pleating  facrifice : 
A  broken  and  a  contrite  heart, 
Lord,  thou  wilt  not  defpife. 

1 8  Shew  kindnefs,  and  do  good,  O  Lord, 

to'Zion  thine  own  hill: 
The  walls  of  thy  Jerufalem 
build  up  of  thy  good  will,     (pleafe, 

19  Then  righteous  off 'rings  (hall  thee 

and  off 'rings  burnt,  which  they, 
With  whole  burnt-off 'rings,  and  with 
fhall  on  thine  altar  lay.       (calves 

PSALM 


i34  PSALM    LII. 

David,  no  doubt,  was  in  very  great  grief,  when  he  faid  to 
Abiathar,  I  Sam.  xxii.  22.  '  1  have  occafioned  the  death  of 
'  all  the  perfcns  of  thy  father's  houfe,'  which  were  put  to 
death  upon  Doeg's  malicious  information  :  to  give  fome 
vent  to  that  grief,  and  to  gain  fome  relief  to  his  mind  under 
it,  he  penned  this  pfalm,  wherein,  as  a  prophet,  and  there- 
fore with  as  good  an  authority  as  if  he  had  been  now  a 
prince  upon  the  throne,  (i.)  He  arraigns  Doeg  for  what  he 
had  done,  verf.  i.  (2.)  He  accufeth  him,  convicts  him,  and 
aggravates  his  crimes,  verf.  2.  3.  4.  (3.)  He  paffeth  fentencc 
upon  him,  verf.  5.  (4.)  He  forctels  the  triumphs  of  the 
righteous  in  the  execution  of  the  fentence,  verf.  6.  7.  (5.) 
He  comforts  himfelf  in  the  mercy  of  God,  and  the  aiTurance 
he  had  that  he  mould  yet  praife  him,  verf.  8.  9.  In  the 
finging  this  pfalm,  we  fhould  conceive  a  deteflation  of  the 
fin  of  lying,  forefee  the  ruin  of  thofe  that  perfift  in  it,  and 
pleafe  ourfelves  with  the  aiTurance  of  the  prefervation  of 
God's  church  and  people,  in  fpite  of  all  the  malicious  de- 
figns  of  the  children  of  Satan,  that  father  of  lies. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  Mafchil,  A  pfalm  of  David,  when  Doeg 
the  Edomite  came  and  told  Saul,  and  faid  unto  him,  David 
is  come  to  the  houfe  of  Ahimelech. 

■^THY  doft  thou  boaft,  O  mighty  man, 
of  mifchief  and  of  ill  ? 
The  goodnefs  of  almighty  God 
endureth  ever  ftill. 

2  Thy  tongue  mifchievous  calumnies 

devifeth  fubtilly, 
Like  to  a  rafor  {harp  to  cut, 
working  deceitfully, 

3  111  more  than  good,  and  more  than 

thou  loveft  to  fpeak  wrong :    (truth 

4  Thou  loveft  all  devouring  words, 

O  thou  deceitful  tongue. 

5  So  God  fhall  thee  deftroy  for  ay, 

remove  thee,  pluck  thee  out 

Quite 


PSALM    LIT.  135 

Quite  from  thy  houfe,  out  of  the  land 

of  life  he  ihdl  thee  root. 
6  The  righteous  {hall  it  fee,  and  fear, 

and  laugh  at  him  they  fhall. 
J  Lo,  this  the  man  is,  that  did  not 

make  God  his  ftrength  at  all: 
But  he,  in  his  abundant  wealth, 

his  confidence  did  place: 
And  he  took  ftrength  unto  himfelf 

from  his  own  wickednels. 

8  But  I  am  in  the  houfe  of  God 

like  to  an  olive  green  : 
My  confidence  for  ever  hath 
upon  God's  mercy  been. 

9  And  I  for  ever  will  thee  praife, 

becaufe  thou  haft  done  this: 
I  on  thy  name  will  wait,  for  good 
before  thy  faints  it  is. 

P  S  A  L  M    LIII. 

God  fpeaketh  once.  .  and  it  were 

even  then  percei. 

for  this  is  the  Tame  almoit  1  ctfa  the   fourteenth 

pfalm.     The  fcope  of  it  is  to  convince  us  of  ou 
us  a  bluftiing  and  to  fe:  1  m  ;  and 

this  is  what  we  arc  io  hardly  u  r.ecd 

of  line  upon  line  to  this  purpofe, 
in z  word,  is  compared  to  a  hammer,  the   ftiol 
rnuil  be  frequently   repeated.   God,   by  the   pfalm ::: 
(I.)  Shews  us  how  bad  we  are,  verf.  I.  ':.,   I 
us   by  his  own  certain    knowledge,  verf.  2.   5. 
fpeaks  terror  to  perfecutors,  the    worft  of  finners,  verf.  4. 

1  ytrople 
verf.  6.  Some  little  variation  there 

:  lis,  feut  none  confiderable,  only:.  •  5.  6. 


1 36  PSALM    LIII. 

there,  and  verf.  5.  here,  where  fome  expreiTions  there  ufed, 
are  here  left  out,  concerning  the  fhame  which  the  wicked 
put  upon  God's  people,  and  inftead  of  that,  is  here  fore- 
told the  fhame  which  God  would  put  upon  the  wicked : 
which  alteration,  with  fome  others,  he  made  by  divine  di- 
rection, when  he  delivered  it  the  fecond  time  to  the  chief 
mufician.  Ih  Tinging  it,  we  ought  to  lament  the  corruption 
of  the  human  nature,  and  the  wretched  degeneracy  of  the 
world  we  live  in,  yet  rejoicing,  in  hope  of  the  great  fal- 
vation . 

To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Mahalath,  Mafchil,  A  ffalm  of 
David. 

THAT  there  is  not  a  God,  the  fool 
doth  in  his  heart  conclude: 
They  are  corrupt,  their  works  are  vile ; 
not  one  of  them  doth  good. 

2  The  Lord  upon  the  fons  of  men 

from  heav'n  did  caft  his  eyes, 
To  fee  if  any  one  there  was 

that  fought  God,  and  was  wife. 

3  They  altogether  filthy  are, 

they  all  are  backward  gone; 
And  there  is  none  that  doeth  good, 
no  not  fo  much  as  one, 

4  Thefe  workers  of  iniquity, 

do  they  not  know  at  all, 
That  they  my  people  eat  as  bread, 
and  on  God  do  not  call? 

5  Ev'n  there  they  were  afraid,  and  flood 

with  trembling  all  difmay'd, 
Whereas  there  was  no  caufe  at  all, 
why  they  Ihould  be  afraid : 

For 


PSALM    LIV.  137 

For  God  his  bones  that  thee  befieg'd 

hath  fcatter'd  all  abroad ; 
Thou  haft  confounded  them,  for  they 

defpifed  are  of  God. 
6  Let  Ifr'ePs  help  from  Zion  come. 

When  back  the  Lord  fhall  bring 
His  captives,  Jacob  fhall  rejoice, 

and  Ifrael  fhall  fing. 

PSALM    LIV. 

The  key  of  this  pfalm  hangs  at  the  door,  for  the  title  tells  us 
upon  what  occafion  it  was  penned,  when  the  inhabitants  of 
Ziph,  men  of  Judah,  (types  of  Judas  the  traitor,)  betray- 
ed David  to  Saul,  by  informing  him  where  he  was,  and 
putting  him  in  a  way  how  to  feize  him.  This  they  did 
twice,  I  Sam.  xxiii.  19. — xxvi.  1.  and  it  is  upon  record 
to  their  everlafting  infamy.  The  pfalm  isfweet;  the  form- 
er part  of  it,  perhaps,  was  meditated  when  he  was  in  hisdif- 
trefs,  and  when  the  danger  was  over  was  put  into  writing, 
and  the  two  lafi:  verfes  added,  which  fpeak  his  thankful- 
nefs  for  the  deliverance;  which  yet  might  be  written  in 
faith,  even  then  when  he  was  in  the  midft  of  his  fright. 
Here,  (1.)  He  complains  to  God  of  the  malice  of  his  ene* 
mies,  and  prays  for  help  againft  them,  verf.  1.  %.  3.  (2.) 
He  comforts  himfelf  with  an  afiurance  of  the  divine  favour 
and  protection,  and  that  in  due  time  his  enemies  fhould  be 
confounded,  and  he  delivered,  verf.  4. — 7.  What  time  wc 
are  in  diftrefs,  we  may  comfortably  fing  this  pfalm. 

To  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth,  Mafchil,  A  pfalm  of 
David,  when  the  Ziphims  came  and  faid  to  Saul,  Doth  not 
David  hide  himfelf  with  us? 

SAVE  me,  O  God,  by  thy  great  name, 
and  judge  me  by  thy  ftrength : 

2  My  prayer  hear,  O  God ;  give  ear 

unto  my  words  at  length. 

3  For  they  that  ftrangers  are  to  me 

do  up  againft  me  rife ; 

Oppreffors 


*38 


PSALM    LIV. 


Oppreflbrs  feek  my  foul,  and  God 
let  not  before  their  eyes. 

4  The  Lord  my  God  my  helper  is, 

lo,  therefore  I  am  bold : 
He  taketh  part  with  ev'ry  one 
that  doth  my  foul  uphold. 

5  Unto  mine  enemies  he  fhall 

mifchief  and  ill  repay : 
O  for  thy  truth's  lake  cut  them  off, 
and  fweep  them  clean  away. 

6  I  will  a  facrifice  to  thee 

give  with  free  willingnefs: 
Thy  name,  OLord,  becaufe  'tis  good, 
with  praife  I  will  confefs. 

7  For  he  hath  me  delivered 

from  all  adverfities : 
And  his  defire  mine  eye  hath  feen 
upon  mine  enemies. 

PSALM    LV. 

It  is  the  conjecture  of  many  expofitors,  that  David  penned 
this  pfalm  upon  occafion  of  Abfalom's  rebellion,  and  that 
the  particular  enemy  he  here  fpeaksof,  that  dealt  treacher- 
cuily  with  him,  was  Ahitophel;  and  fome  will  therefore 
make  David's  troubles  here  typical  ofChrift's  fufferings, 
and  Ahitophel's  treachery  a  figure  of  Judas's,  becaufe  they 
both  hanged  themfelves  ;  but  there  is  nothing  in  it  that  is 
particularly  applied  to  Chriit  in  theNewTeflament.  David 
was  in  great  diltrefs  when  he  penned  this  pfalm.  (i.)  He 
prays,  that  God  would  manifest  his  favour  to  him,  and 
pleads  his  own  forrow  and  fear,  verf.  I. — 8.  (2.)  He  prays, 
that  Gcd  would  manifeil  his  difpleafure  again  ft  his  enemies, 
and  pleads  their  great  wickednefs  and  treachery,  verf.  9. 
15.;  and  again,  verf.  ao.  21.  (3.)  He  afTures  himfelf,  that 
Gcd  would  in  due  time  appear  for  him  againft  his  enemies, 

comforts 


PSALM    LV.  139 

comforrs  himfelf  with  the  hopes  of  it,  and  encourageth 
others  to  truft  in  God,  verf.  16. — 19.;  and  again,  verf. 
22.  23.  In  Tinging  this  pfulm.  we  may,  if  there  be  occafion, 
apply  it  to  our  own  troubles;  if  not,  we  may  fympathize 
with'thofe  to  whofe  cife  it  comes  nearer,  iorefecing  that 
there  will  beat  laft  indignation  and  wrath  to  the  perfecu- 
tors,  ialvation  and  joy  to  the  persecuted. 

To  the  chief  mufician  on    Neginoth,  Mafchil,  A  pfalm  of 
Davit. 

LORD,  hear  my  pray'r,  hide  not  thyfelf 
from  my  intreating  voice: 

2  Attend  and  hear  me,  in  my  plaint 

I  mourn  and  make  a  noife. 

3  Becaufe  of  th'  en'my's  voice,  and  for 

lewd  mens  oppreffion  great: 
On  me  they  caft  iniquity, 
and  they  in  wrath  me  hate. 

4  Sore  pain'd  within  me  is  my  heart: 

death's  terrors  on  me  fall. 

5  On  me  comes  trembling,fear,and  dread 

overwhelmed  me  withal. 

6  O  that  I  like  a  dove  had  wings, 

faid  I,  then  would  I  fly 
Far  hence,  that  I  might  find  a  place 
where  I  in  reft  might  be. 

7  Lo,  then  far  off  I  wander  would, 

and  in  the  defert  ftay : 

8  From  windy  ftorm,  and  temped  I 

would  hafte  to  fcape  away. 

9  O  Lord,  on  them  deftru£tion  bring, 

and  do  their  tongues  divide : 

For 


i4c  PSALM    LV. 

For  in  the  city  violence 
and  ftrife  I  have  efpy'd. 

10  They  day  and  night  upon  the  walls 

do  go  about  it  round : 
There  mifchief  is,  and  forrow  there 
in  midft  of  it  is  found. 

1 1  Abundant  wickednefs  there  is 

within  her  inward  part; 
And  from  her  ftreets  deceitfulnefs 
and  guile  do  not  depart. 

12  He  was  no  foe  that  me  reproached, 

then  that  endure  I  could  ; 
Nor  hater  that  'gainft  me  did  boaft, 
from  him  me  hide  I  would. 
ijBut  thou,  man,who  mine  equal,  guide, 
and  mine  acquaintance  waft. 

14  We  join'd  fweet  counfels,  to  God's 

in  company  we  paft.  (houfe 

15  Let  death  upon  them  feize,  and  down 

let  them  go  quick  to  hell ; 
For  wickednefs  doth  much  abound 
among  them  where  they  dwell. 

1 6  I'll  call  on  God :  God  will  me  fave. 

17  I'll  pray  and  make  a  noife 

At  evening,  morning,  and  at  noon; 
and  he  fhall  hear  my  voice. 

18  He  hath  my  foul  delivered, 

that  it  in  peace  might  be, 

From 


P  S  A  L  M    LV.  141 

From  battle  that  againft  me  was, 
for  many  were  with  me. 

19  The  Lord  fhall  hear  and  them  affli£t, 

of  old  who  hath  abode : 
Becaufe  they  never  changes  have, 
therefore  they  fear  not  God. 

20  'Gainft  thofe  that  were  at  peace  with 

he  hath  put  forth  his  hand :     (him 
The  covenant  that  he  had  made, 
by  breaking  he  profan'd. 

2 1  More  fmooth  than  butter  were  his 

while  in  his  heart  was  war;  (words 
His  fpeeches  were  more  foft  than  oil, 
and  yet  drawn  fwords  they  are. 

22  Call  thou  thy  burden  on  the  Lord, 

and  he  fhall  thee  fuftain; 
Yea,  he  fhall  caufe  the  righteous  man 
unmoved  to  remain. 

23  But  thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  thofe 

in  juftiee  fhalt  overthrow,      (men 
And  in  deftrudtion's  dungeon  dark 

at  lafl  fhalt  lay  them  low : 
The  bloody  and  deceitful  men 

fhall  not  live  half  their  days ; 
But  upon  thee  with  confidence 

I  will  depend  always. 

PSALM 


142         P  S  A  L  M    LVT. 

It  feems  by  this  and  many  other  pfalms,  that  even  in  times 
of  thegreatcil  trouble  and  diftrefs,  David  never  hung  his 
harp  upon  rces,  never  unftrung  it  or  laid  it  by; 

but  when  s  and  fears  were  greateff,  yet  ftill  he  was 

in  tune  for  Tinging  God's  praifes.  He  was  in  imminent 
peril  when  he  penned  this  pfalm,  at  lead  when  he  meditated 
it ;  yet  even  then  bis  meditation  of  God  was  fweet.  (I.) 
He  complains  of  the  malice  of  his  enemies,  and  begs  mercy 
for  hirr.fcif,  and  jufrice  againft  them,  verf.  I.  2.  5.  6.  7. 
(2.)  He  confides  in  God,  being  aflured  that  he  took  his 
part,  comforting himfelf  with  this,  that  therefore  he  was 
fcfc  and  Ihould  b^  victorious,  and  that  while  he  lived  he 
mould  praife  God,  vcif.  3.  4.  8. — 13.  How  pleafently  may 
a  sood  Christian,  in  fingfng  this  pfalm,  rejoice  in  God,  and 
praife  him  tor  what  he  will  do,  as  well  as  for  what  he  hath 
done! 

To  the  chief  muncian,  upon  Jonnath-elem-rechokim,  Mich- 
tarn  of  David,  when  the  Philiftines  took  him  in  Gath. 

^  HEW  mercy,  Lord,  to  me,  for  man 
L>5     would  fwallow  me  upright: 
He  me  oppreffeth,  while  he  doth 
againft  me  daily  fight. 

2  They  daily  would  me  fwallow  up3 

that  hate  me  fpitefully; 
For  they  be  many  that  do  fight 
againft  me,  O  Moil  High. 

3  When  I'm  afraid,  Til  truft  in  thee: 

4  In  God  I'll  praife  his  word; 

I  will  not  fear  what  flefh  can  do, 

my  truft  is  in  the  Lord. 

5;  Each  day  they  wreft  my  words,  their 

'gainft  me  are  all  for  ill.  (thoughts 

6  They  meet,  they  lurk,  they  mark  my 

waiting  my  foul  to  kill.       (fteps, 

7  But 


PSALM    LVL  143 

7  But  fhall  they  by  iniquity 

efcape  thy  judgment  fo? 
O  God,  with  indignation  down 
do  thou  the  people  throw,    (been 

8  My  wanderings  all  what  have  they 

thou  know'ftj  their  number  took; 
Into  thy  bottle  put  my  tears : 
are  they  not  in  thy  book? 

9  My  foes  fhall,  when  I  cry,  turn  back, 

I  know't,  God  is  for  me. 

10  In  God  his  word  I'll  praife:  his  word 

in  God  fhall  praiied  be. 

1 1  In  God  I  truft,  I  will  not  fear 

what  man  can  do  to  me. 

12  Thy  vows  upon  me  are,  O  God: 

I'll  render  praife  to  thee. 

13  Wilt  thou  not,  who  from  death  me 
my  feet  from  falls  keep  free,  (fav'd, 
To  walk  before  God  in  the  light 

of  thofe  that  living  be  ? 

P  S  A  L  M    LVII. 

This  pfalm  is  very  like  that  which  goes  next  be: 
..Uon,  when  t)iw\ 
blc,    and  in  temptation 

I  to  me  :'  the  method  al 
He  begins  with  prayer    and  complaint :    yet   not   wi 
fome 

He  c:  h  joy  and  praife,  verf.  7. —II 

may  take   crecr:o:i  and  « 
\  and  m  obf  • 
to  God  in  finging  thispiaiia. 

To 


144        PSALM    LVII. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  Al-tafchith,  Michtam  of  Darid,  when 
he  fled  from  Saul  in  the  cave. 

E  merciful  to  me,  O  God, 
thy  mercy  unto  me 
Do  thou  extend,  becaufe  my  foul 

doth  put  her  truft  in  thee : 
Yea,  in  the  lhadow  of  thy  wings 

my  refuge  I  will  place, 
Until  thefe  fad  calamities 
do  wholly  overpafs. 

2  My  cry  I  will  caufe  to  afcend 

unto  the  Lord  moll  high, 
To  God,  who  doth  all  things  for  me 
perform  molt  perfe&ly. 

3  From  heav'n  he  {hall  fend  down,  and 

from  his  reproach  defend,        (me 
That  would  devour  me:  God  his  truth 
and  mercy  forth  {hall  fend. 

4  My  foul  among  fierce  lions  is, 

I  fire-brands  live  among; 
Mens  ions,  whofe  teeth  arefpearsand 
a  fliarp  fword  is  their  tongue,  (darts, 

5  Be  thou  exalted  very  high 

above  the  heav'ns,  O  God; 
Let  thou  thy  glory  be  advane'd 
o'er  ail  the  earth  abroad. 

6  My  foci's  how'ddown;  for  they  a  net 

have  laid,  my  fteps  to  fnare: 

Into 


PSALM    LVII.         145 

Into  the  pit  which  they  have  digg'd 
for  me,  they  fallen  are. 

7  My  heart  is  fix'd,  my  heart  is  fix'd, 
O  God,  I'll  fing  and  praife. 

8  My  glory,  wake,  wake  pfalt'ry,  harp ; 

myfelf  I'll  early  raiie. 

9  I'll  praife  thee  'mong  the  people,  Lord, 

'mong  nations  ling  will  I. 

10  For  great  to  heav'n  thy  mercy  is, 

thy  truth  is  to  the  fky. 

1 1  O  Lord,  exalted  be  thy  name, 

above  the  heav'ns  toftand: 
Do  thou  thy  glory  far  advance 
above  both  lea  and  land. 

PSALM    LVIIL 

It  is  the  probable  conjecture  of  fome  ( Amyraldus  particular- 
ly) that  before  Saul  b^gan  to  profecute  David  by  force  ot 
arms,  and  raited  the  militia  to  leize  him,  he  formed  a  pro- 
ceis  againft  him  bycourfe  of  law,  upon  which  he  was  con- 
demned unheard,  and  attainted  as  a  tn  itor  by  tne 
council,  or  fupreme  court  of  Judicature,  and  then  pro- 
claimed an  outlaw,  qui  caput gcrlt  lu£inuth%  whom  any  man 
might  kill,  and  no  ni3n  might  protect;  and  upon  occafion 
of  pafling  this  bill  of  attainder,  which  the  elders  did  to 
curry  favour  with  Saul,  David  penned  this  pfalm  :  where- 
in, (l.  He  deicribes  their  fin,  and  aggravates  that,  fer£ 
I. — 5.  (2.)  He  imprecates  and  forctels  their  rain,  and  the 
judgment  which  the  righteous  God  would  bring  upon  them 
for  their  injuftice,  verf.  6 — 9.  Which  would  redound,  I. 
To  the  comfort  of  the  faints,  verf.  10.  2.  To  the^lory 
of  God,  verf.  11.  Sin  appears  here  both  exceeding  unfni 
and  exceeding  dangerous,  and  God  a  juft  avenger  of  wrong, 
h  which  we  ihould  be  arreted  in  fm^ir.j  this  p  aim. 


146        PSALM    LV1IL 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A!-tafchith,  Michtam  of  Davii 

DO  ye,  O  congregation, 
indeed  fpeak  righteoufnefs  ? 
O  ye  that  are  the  fons  of  men, 
judge  ye  with  uprightnefs  ? 
a  Yea,  ev'n  within  your  very  hearts 
ye  wickednefs  have  done; 
And  ye  the  vi'lence  of  your  hands 
do  weigh  the  earth  upon, 

3  The  wicked  men  eftranged  are 

ev'n  from  the  very  womb; 
They  fpeaking  lies,  do  ftray,  as  foon 
as  to  the  world  they  come. 

4  Unto  a  ferpenfs  poifbn  like 

their  poifon  doth  appear; 
Yea,  they  are  like  the  adder  deaf, 
that  clofely  ftops  her  ear : 

5  That  fo  fhe  may  not  hear  the  voice 

of  one  that  charm  her  would, 

No  not  though  he  moft  cunning  were, 

and  charm  moft  wifely  could. 

6  Their  teeth,  O  God,within  their  mouth 

break  thou  in  pieces  fmall; 
The  great  teeth  break  thou  out,  O  Lord, 
of  thefe  young  lions  all. 
y  Let  them  like  waters  melt  away, 
which  downward  ftiil  do  flow: 

In 


PSALM    LVIII.         147 

In  pieces  cut  his  arrows  all, 
when  he  {hall  bend  his  bow, 

8  Like  to  a  ihail  that  melts  away, 

let  each  of  them  be  gone ; 
Like  woman's  birth  untimely,  that 
they  never  fee  the  fun. 

9  He  fhall  them  take  away,  before 

your  pots  the  thorns  can  find, 
Both  living,  and  in  fury  great, 
as  with  a  ftormy  wind. 

10  The  righteous,  when  he  vengeance 

he  fhall  be  joyful  then  :  (fees, 

The  righteous  one  fhall  wafh  his  feet 
in  blood  of  wicked  men. 

1 1  So  men  fhall  fay,  The  righteous  man 

reward  fhall  never  mifs; 

And  verily  upon  the  earth 

a  God  to  judge  there  is. 

P  S  A  L  M    LIX. 

This  pfalm  is  of  the  fame  nature  and  fcope  with  fix  or  feven 
foregoing  pfalms;  they  are  all  David's  complaints  of  the 
malice  of  his  enemies,  and  of  their  curfed  and  cruel  defigns 
againft  him  :  his  prayers  and  prophecies  again!!  them  ;  and 
his  comfort  and  confidence  in  God  as  hi*  God  ;  the  firft  is 
the  language  of  nature,  and  may  he  a! lowed  ;  the  fecond 
cf  a  prophetical  fpirit,  looking  forward  to  Chrilt,  and  the 
enemies  of  his  kingdom,  and  therefore  not  to  be  drawn  in- 
to a  precedent;  the  third  of  grace,  and  a  mod  holy  faith, 
-which  ought  to  be  imitated  by  every  cne  of  us.  In  this 
pfalm,  (1.)  He  prays  tc  God  to  defend  and  deliver  him 
from  his  enemies,  repreienting  them  as  very  ill  men,  bar- 
barous, malicious,  and  atheiftical,  verf.  I. — 7.  (2.)  He 
forelees  and  foretels  the  deftruction  of  his  enemies,  which 
he  would  give  to  God  the  glory  of,  verf.  8. — 1 7.  As  far 
Ki'  as 


143        PSALM    LIX. 

as  it  appears  that  any  of  the  particular  enemies  of  God's 
people  fall  under  thefe  chambers,  we  may  in  finging  this 
pfalm  read  their  doom,  and  forefee  their  ruin. 

To   the  chief  mufician,  Al-tafchith,    Michtam   of  David  : 
when  Saul  fent,  and  they  watched  the  houfe  to  kill  him. 

MY  God,  deliver  me  from  thofe 
that  are  mine  enemies ; 
And  do  thou  me  defend  from  thofc 
that  up  againft  me  rife. 

2  Do  thou  deliver  me  from  them 

that  work  iniquity; 
And  give  me  fafety  from  the  men 
of  bloody  cruelty. 

3  For  lo,  they  for  my  foul  lay  wait:  ' 

the  mighty  do  combine 
Againft  me,  Lord,  not  for  my  faulty 
nor  any  fin  of  mine. 

4  They  run,  and  without  fault  in  me 

themfelves  do  ready  make: 
Awake  to  meet  me  with  thy  help, 
and  do  thou  notice  take. 

5  Awake,  therefore,  Lord  God  of  hofts, 

thou  God  of  Ifrael, 
To  vifit  hqathen  all :  fpare  none 
that  wickedly  rebel. 

6  At  ev'ning  they  go  to  and  fro; 

they  make  great  noife  and  found 
Like  to  a  dog,  and  often  walk 
about  the  city  round. 

7  Behold, 


PSALM    LIX.  149 

7  Behold,  they  belch  out  with  their 

and  in  their  lips  are  fw.ords;   (mouth, 
For  they  do  fay  thus,  Who  is  he 
that  now  doth  hear  our  words  ? 

8  But  thou,  O  Lord,  fhalt  laugh  at  them, 

and  all  the  heathen  mock, 

9  While  he's  in  power,  I'll  wait  on  thee; 

for  God  is  my  high  rock. 

10  He  of  my  mercy  that  is  God, 

betimes  fhall  me  prevent: 
Upon  mine  en'mies  God  {hall  let 
me  fee  mine  heart's  content. 

1 1  Them  flay  not,  left  my  folk  forget; 

but  fcatter  them  abroad 
By  thy  flrong  pow'r ;  and  bring  them 
O  thou  our  fhield,  and  God.  (down, 

12  For  their  mouth's  fin,  and  for  the 

that  from  their  lips  do  fly,  (words 
Let  them  be  taken  in  their  pride, 
becaufe  they  curfe  and  lie. 

13  In  wrath  confume  them,  them  con- 

that  fo  they  may  not  be ;       (fume, 
And,  that  in  Jacob  God  doth  rule, 
to  th'  earth's  ends  let  them  fee. 

14  At  ev'ning  let  thou  them  return, 

making  great  noife  and  found 
Like  to  a  dog,  and  often  walk 
about  the  city  round. 

1  5  And 


150  PSALM    L1X. 

15  And  let  them  wander  up  and  down, 

in  feeking  food  to  eat; 
And  let  them  grudge  when  they  fhall  not 
be  fatisfied  with  meat. 

16  But  of  thy  pow'r  I'll  fing  aloud, 

at  morn  thy  mercy  praife : 
For  thou  to  me  my  refuge  waft, 
and  tow'r  in  troublous  days. 

1 7  O  God,  that  art  my  ftrength,  I  will 

fing  praifes  unto  thee; 
For  God  is  my  defence,  a  God 
of  mercy  unto  me. 

PSALM    LX, 

After  many  pfalms  which  David  penned  in  a  day  of  diftrefs, 
this  comes,  which  was  calculated  for  a  day  of  triumph  ;  it 
was  penned  after  he  was  fettled  in  the  throne,  upon  occa- 
fion  of  an  illuftrious  victory  which  God  blefled  his  forces 
-with  over  the  Syrians  and  Edomites:  it  was  when  David 
-was  in  the  zenith  of  his  profperity,  and  the  affairs  of  his 
kingdom  feem  to  have  been  in  a  better  poflure  than  ever 
they  were  either  before  or  afcer.  See  2.  Sam.  viii.  3.  13.  I 
Chron.  xviii.  3.  12.  David,  in  profperity,  was  as  devout  as 
David,  in  adverfity.  In  this  pfalm,  (1.)  He  reflects  upon 
the  ill  Hate  of  the  public  interefts  for  many  years,  in  which 
God  had  been  contending  with  them,  verf.  I.  2.  3.  (2.)  He 
takes  notice  of  the  happy  turn  lately  given  to  their  affairs, 
verf.  4.  (3)  He  prays  for  the  delverance  of  God,s  Ifrael 
from  their  enemies,  verf.  5.  (4)  He  triumphs  in  the  hope 
of  their  victories  over  their  enemies,  and  begs  of  God  to 
carry  them  on  and  complete  them,  verf.  6. — 12.  In  fing- 
jng  this  pfalm,  we  may  have  an  eye  both  to  the  acts  of  the 
church,  and  to  the  date  of  our  own  fouls,  both  which  have 
their  ftruggles. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  upon  Shufhan-edutb,  Michtam  of  Da- 
rid,  to  teach  when  he  drove  with  Aram-naharaim,  and 
with  Aram-zobah,  when  Joab  returned  and  fmote  of  Edom 
in  the  valley  of  fait,  twelve  thoufand. 

O  Lord, 


PSALM    LX.  xji 

OLord,  thou  haft  rejected  us, 
and  fcatter'd  us  abroad, 
Thou  ji  aft  difpleafed  be. 

return  to  us,  O  God. 

2  The  earth  to  tremble  thou  haft  made, 

therein  didft  breaches  make: 
Do  thou  thereof  the  breaches  heal, 
becaufe  the  land  doth  (hake. 

3  Unto  thy  people  thou  hard  things 

haft  fhew'd,  and  on  them  lent; 
And  thou  haft  cauied  us  to  drink 
wine  of  aftoniihment. 

4  And  yet  a  banner  thou  haft  giv'n 

to  them  who  thee  do  fear: 
That  it  by  them,  becaufe  of  truth, 
difplayed  may  appear. 

5  That  thy  beloved  people  may 

delivered  be  from  thrall, 
Save  with  the  pow'r  of  thy  right  hand, 
and  hear  me  when  I  call. 

6  God  in  his  holinefs  hath  fpo] 

herein  I  will  take  pleafure : 
Shechem  I  will  divide,  and  forth 
will  S  *s  valley  meaiure, 

j  Gilead  I  claim  as  mine  by  right, 
Manaueh  mine  lhall  be; 
Ephraim  is  afminehc 

Judah  gives  laws  for  me. 

8  Moab's 


i52  PSALM    LX. 

8  Moab's  my  wafhing  pot,  my  fhoe 

I'll  over  Edom  throw; 
And  over  Paleftina's  land 
I  will  in  triumph  go. 

9  O  who  is  he  will  bring  me  to 

the  city  fortify'd? 
O  who  is  he  that  to  the  land 
of  Edom  will  me  guide  ? 
io  O  God,  which  hadeft  us  caft  off, 
this  thing  wilt  thou  not  do  ? 
Ev'n  thou,  O  God,  which  dideft  not 
forth  with  our  armies  go. 

1 1  Help  us  from  trouble;  for  the  help 

is  vain  which  man  fupplies. 

1 2  Thro'God  we'll  do  great  ads;  he  fhall 

tread  down  our  enemies. 

PSALM    LXI. 

David  in  this  pfalm,  asin  many  others,  begins  with  a  fad 
heart,  hut  concludes  with  an  air  of  pleafantncfs;  hegins 
with  prayers  and  tears,  but  ends  with  fongs  ofpraife.  Thus 
the  foul,  by  being  lifted  up  to  God,  returns  to  the  enjoy- 
ment of  itfelf.  It  fhouM  fcem  David  was  driven  out  and 
baniflied  when  he  penned  this  pfalm,  whether  by  Saul  or 
Abfalom  is  uncertain  :  fome  think  by  i^bfalom,  becaufehe 
calls  himfelf  the  king,  verf.  6.  but  that  refers  to  the  King 
Meffiah.  David  in  this  pfalm  refolves  to  perfevere  in  his 
duty,  encouraged  thereto  both  by  experience,  and  by  his 
expectations.  (i3)  Ke  will  call  upon  God,  becaufe  God 
had  protected  him,  verf.  I.  i.  3,  (2.)  He  will  call  upon 
God,  becaufe  God  had  provided  well  for  him,  verf.  4.  5. 
(3.)  Ke  will  praife  God,  becaufe  he  had  an  ailurance  of  the 
continuance  of  God's  favour  to  him,  verf  6.  7.  8.  So  that 
in  finging  this  pfalm,  we  may  find  that  which  is  very  ex- 
prefliveboth  of  our  faith  and  of  our  hope,  of  our  prayers 
and  of  our  praifes:  and  fome  pafla^es  in  this  pfalm  are  ve- . 
ry  peculiar. 

To 


PSALM    LXI.  153 

To  the  chief  mufichn  v  :h,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

OGod,  give  ear  unto  my  cry, 
unto  my  pray'r  attend. 

2  From  th'  utmoft  corner  of  the  land 

my  cry  to  thee  I'll  lend, 
What  time  my  heart  is  overwhelmed, 

and  in  perplexity : 
Do  thou  me  lead  unto  the  rock 

that  higher  is  than  I. 

3  For  thou  haft  for  my  refuge  been 

a  fhelter  by  thy  powY; 
And,  for  defence  againft  my  foes, 
thou  haft  been  a  ftrong  tow'r. 

4  Within  thy  tabernacle  I 

for  ever  will  abide : 
And,  under  covert  of  thy  wings, 
with  confidence  me  hide. 

5  For  thou  the  vows  that  I  did  make, 

O  Lord  my  God,  didft  hear: 
Thou  haft  giv'n  me  the  heritage 
of  thole  thy  name  that  fear. 

6  A  life  prolong'd  for  many  days 

thou  to  the  King  {Halt  give : 
Like  many  generations  be 

the  years  which  he  fhall  live. 

7  He  in  God's  preience  hi 

for  evermore  fhall  have: 

Odo 


154        PSALM    LXIL 

O  do  thou  truth  and  mercy  both 
prepare,  that  may  him  fave. 
8  And  fo  will  I  perpetually 

fmg  praife  unto  thy  name; 
That,  having  made  my  vows,  I  may 
each  day  perform  the  fame. 

PSALM    LXIL 

This  pfalm  has  nothing  in  it  directly,  either  of  prayer  or 
praife  ;  nor  doth  it  appear  upon  what  occafion  it  was  pen- 
ned, nor  whether  upon  any  particular  occafion,  whether 
i  mournful  or  joyful.   But  in  it,  (i.)  David  with  a  great  deal 

of  pleafure  profelfeth  his  own  confidence  in  God,  and  de- 
pendence upon  him,  and  encourageth  himfelf  to  continue 
waiting  on  him,  verf.  I.  7.  (2.)  With  a  great  deal  of 
carneftnefs  he  excites  and  encourageth  others  to  trufl:  in 
God  likewifc,  and  not  in  any  creature,  verf.  8. — 12.  And 
in  finging  it,  we  ihould'fHr  up  ourfeives  to  wait  on  God. 
To  the  chief  mufcian,  to  Jeduthun,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

MY  foul  with  expectation 
depends  on  God  indeed: 
My  ftrength  and  my  falvation  doth, 
from  him  alone  proceed. 

2  He  only  my  falvation  is, 
and  my  ftrong  rock  is  he: 

He  only  is  my  fure  defence ; 
much  mov'd  I  fhall  not  be. 

3  How  long  will  ye  againft  a  man 
plot  mifchief  ?  ye  fhall  all 

Ee  flam;  ye  as  a  tott'ring  fence 
fhall  be,  and  bowing  wall. 

4  They  only  plot  to  cafe  him  down 
from  his  excellency : 

They 


PSALM    LXII.         155 

They  joy  in  lies ;  with  mouth  they  blefs, 

but  they  curfe  inwardly. 
t  My  foul,  wait  thou  with  patience 
upon  thy  God  alone: 
On  him  dependeth  all  my  hope 
and  expectation. 

6  He  only  my  falvation  is, 

and  my  ftrong  rock  is  he; 
He  only  is  my  fure  defence : 
I  fhall  not  moved  be. 

7  In  God  my  glory  placed  is, 

and  my  falvat?on  fure : 
In  God  the  rock  is  of  my  ftrength, 
my  refuge  mod  fecure. 

8  Ye  people,  place  your  confidence 

in  him  continually; 
Before  him  pour  ye  out  your  heart : 
God  is  our  refuge  high. 

9  Surely  mean  men  are  vanity, 

and  great  men  are  a  lie; 
In  balance  laid,  they  wholly  are 
more  light  than  vanity. 

10  Truft  ye  not  in  oppreffion, 

in  robb'ry  be  not  vaiiii 
On  weal  th  fet  not  your  hearts, when  as 
increafed  is  your  gain. 

1 1  God  hath  it  fpoken  once  to  me, 

yea,  this  I  heard  again, 

That 


156        P  S  A  L  M    LXTII. 

That  power  to  almighty  God 
alone  doth  appertain. 
1 2  Yea,  mercy  alio  unto  thee 
belongs,  O  Lord,  alone: 
For  thou  according  to  his  work 
rewarded:  ev'ry  one. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXIII. 

This  pialm  has  ip  it  as  much  of  warmth  and  livel\ 

as  any  ::   David's  p faints  in  fo  liti  As  the 

:   out  of 
a  prii  eteft  of  D- 

.nned,  as  this  was,  in  a  wildernsfs.  That 

r.o.ccs;   theft  . 
thee.  ;   and  the  p 

appetite.     Yet  it  is  not 

his  heart  i;  v 
His    dell  re   towards    God,   ver  .    I.   :. 
God,    verf.    ;.   4. 

His   fccret  communion   with   God,  vttC.  6.     5 
joyful  dependance   upon    God,  verf.  7.  8.   (6 
Gcd  over  his  enemies,  and  in  the 
his  01  f«£   9.  la.  11.  A   devout  and  pi. 

1  u  lit  falm,  fo  na- 

;  and  an  un- 
fan£t.f 
vine  t  .  of  finsing  it  with  underftand- 

A  pfafm  of  Da  iin  the  wildernefs  of  Judah. 

T    ORD,  thee  my  God  I'll  early  feek : 
JLj      my  ioul  doth  thiril  for  thee; 
My  tieih  longs  in  a  dry  parch'd  land, 

wherein  no  waters  be: 
2  That  I  thy  power  may  behold, 

and  brightnefs  of  thy  face, 


P  S  A  L  M    LXIII.        157 

As  I  have  feen  thee  heretofore, 
within  thy  holy  place. 

3  Since  better  is  thy  love  than  life, 

my  lips  thee  praife  fhall  give. 

4  I  in  thy  name  will  lift  my  hands, 

and  blefs  thee  while  I  live. 

5  Ev'n  as  with  marrow  and  with  fat, 

my  foul  fhall  filled  be; 
Then  fhall  my  mouth,  with  joyful  lips, 
fing  praifes  unto  thee. 

6  When  I  do  thee  upon  my  bed 

remember  with  delight, 

And  when  on  thee  I  meditate 

in  watches  of  the  night, 

7  In  fhadow  of  thy  wings  I'll  joy, 

for  thou  mine  help  haft  been. 

8  My  foul  thee  follows  hard ;  and  me 

thy  right  hand  doth  fuftain. 

9  Who  feek  my  foul  to  fpill,  fhall  fink 

down  to  earth's  loweft  room. 

I  o.  They  by  the  fword  fhall  be  cut  off, 

and  foxes  prey  become. 

I I  Yet  fhall  the  king  in  God  rejoice; 

and  each  one  glory  fhall 
That  fwear  by  him  :  but  ftopt  fhall  be 
the  mouth  of  liars  all. 

PSALM 


158        PSALM    LXIV. 

Tie  whole  pfalm  has  a  reference  to  David's  enemies,  perform 
tors,  and  flanderers;  many  fnch  there  were  and  a  great  deal 
of  trouble  they  gave  him,  almoft  all  his  days,  fo  that  we 
neetl  not  guefs  at  any  particular  occafion  of  penning  this 
pfalm:  (l.)  He  prays  to  God  to  preferve  him  from  their 
malicious  defigns  againft  him,  verf.  I.  2.  (2.)  He  gives 
a  very  ill  character  of  them,  as  men  marked  for  ruin  by 
their  own  wiekednefs,  verf.  3.-6.  (3.)  Efy  the  fpirit  of 
prophefy  he  fortels  their  deftruttion,  which  would  redound 
to  the  giory  of  God,  and  the  encouragement  of  his  people, 
verf..  7. — io.  In  finging  this  pfaim,  we  muft  obferve  the 
effect  of  the  old  enmity  that  is  in  the  feed  of  the  woman, 
againft  the  feed  of  theferpent;  and  adure  ourfelves,  that 
theferpent's  head  will  be  broken  at  laft,  to  the  honour  and 
joy  of  the  holy  feed. 

To  the  chief  mufician,   A  pfalm  of  David, 

WHEN  I  to  thee  my  prayer  make. 
Lord,  to  my  voice  give  ear; 
My  life  fave  from  the  enemy, 
of  whom  I  ftand  in  fear. 

2  Me  from  their  fecret  counfel  hide 

who  do  live  wickedly; 
From  infurre&ion  of  thofe  men 
that  work  iniquity.  (whet, 

3  Who  do  their  tongues  with  malice 

and  make  them  cut  like  fwords; 
In  whofe  bent  bows  are  arrows  fet, 
ev'n  fharp  and  bitter  words. 

4  That  they  may  at  the  perfect  man 

in  fecret  aim  their  fliot: 
Yea,  fuddenly  they  dare  at  him 
to  fhoot,  and  fear  it  not. 

5  In  ill  Encourage  they  themfelves : 

and  their  fnares  clofe  do  lay, 

Together 


PSALM    LXIV.         159 

Together  conference  they  have; 
Who  {hall  them  fee?  they  fay. 

6  They  have  fearch'd  out  iniquities, 
a  perfect  fearch  they  keep : 
Of  each  of  them  the  inward  thought, 
and  very  heart  is  deep. 

j  God  {hall  an  arrow  {hoot  at  them, 
and  wound  them  fuddenly. 

3  So  their  own  tongue  {hall  them  con- 
all  who  them  fee  fhall  fly.  (found, 

9  And  on  all  men  a  fear  {hall  fall, 

God's  works  they  {hall  declare; 
For  they  fhall  wifely  notice  take 
what  thefe  his  doings  are. 

10  In  God  the  righteous  {hall  rejoice, 

and  truft  upon  his  might; 
Yea,  they  fhall  greatly  glory  all, 
in  heart  that  are  upright. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXV. 

In  this  pfalm  we  are  directed  to  give  to  God  the  glory  of  his 
power  and  goodnefs,  which  appears,  (i.)  In  the  kingdom 
of  grace  verf.  I.;  hearing. prayer,  ver£  2.;  pardoning  Gn, 
▼erf.  3. ;  fatisfying  the  fouls  of  the  people,  verf.  4.  •  protect- 
ing and  Supporting  them,  verf.  5.  (5.)  In  the  kingdom  of 
providence,  fixing  the  mountains,  verf.  6.:  calming  the  Tea, 
verf,  7.  ;  preserving  the  regular  fuccefiion  of  day  and  night, 
yt,C  8.;  and  making  the  earth  fruitful,  verf.  9.  to-13. 
Thefe  are  bleflings  we  are  all  indebted  to  God  for,  and 
.therefore  may  eafily  accommouate  this  pfalm  to  ounclres  ia 
fingins  of  it.  - 

To 


160        PSA  L  M    LXV. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  cwdfonz  of  David. 

PRAISE  waits  for  thee  in  Sion,  Lord ; 
to  thee  vows  paid  fhall  be. 
O  thou  that  hearer  art  of  pray'r, 
all  flefh  fhall  come  to  thee. 

3  Iniquities,  I  muft  confefs, 

prevail  againfi:  me  do: 
But  as  for  our  tranfgrefTions, 
them  purge  away  fhalt  thou. 

4  Blefs'd  is  the  man  whom  thou  doft 

and  makTt  approach  to  thee ;   (chufe, 
That  he  within  thy  courts,  O  Lord, 

may  ftill  a  dweller  be. 
We  furely  fhall  be  fatisfy'd 

with  thy  abundant  grace, 
And  with  the  goodnefs  of  thy  houfe, 

ev'n  of  thy  holy  place. 

5  O  God  of  our  falvation, 

thou,  in  thy  righteoufnefs, 
By  fearful  works  unto  our  pray'rs 

thine  anfwer  doft.exprefs : 
Therefore  the  ends  of  all  the  earth, 

and  thofe  afar  that  be 
Upon  the  fea,  their  confidence, 

O  Lord,  will  place  in  thee. 

6  Who,  being  girt  with  pow'r,fetsfaft, 

by  his  great  Hrength,  the  hills: 

7  Who 


PSALM    LXV.         161 

7  Who  noife  of  feas,  noife  of  their  waves, 

and  peoples  tumult  ftills. 

8  Thofe  in  the  utmoft  parts  that  dwell, 

are  at  thy  figns  afraid : 
Th*  outgoings  of  the  morn  and  ev'n 
by  the  are  joyful  made. 

9  The  earth  thou  vifit'ft,  watering  it, 

thou  mak'ft  it  rich  to  grow 
With  God's  full  flood;  thou  corn  pre- 
when  thou  provid'ft  it  fo.     (par'ft, 
io  Her  riggs  thou  water'ft  plenteoufly, 
her  furrows  fetteleft: 
With  fhow'rs  thou  doft  her  mollify, 
her  fpring  by  thee  is  bleft. 

1 1  So  thou  the  year  mod  liberally 

doft  with  thy  goodnefs  crown ; 
And  all  thy  paths  abundantly 
on  us  drop  fatnefs  down, 

1 2  They  drop  upon  the  paftures  wide, 

that  do  in  deferts  lie, 
The  little  hills  on  ev'ry  fide 
rejoice  right  pleafantly. 

13  With  flocks  the  paftures  clothed  be, 

the  vales  with  corn  are  clad ; 
Andnowtheyfhoutandfingto  thee, 
for  thou  haft  made  them  glad. 

L  PSALM 


102        P  S  A  L  M    LXVI. 

This  is  a  thankfgiving  pfalm;  and  it  is  of  fiich   a  general  ufe 
and  application,  that   \vc  need  not  fuppofe  it  peanc 
any  partial  la*  occaGon.  All  people  arc  here  called  . 
praife  God,   (i  )   For  the  general  inftances  ofl 
dominion  and   power    in  the  whole  creation,  v^ri".  I. —  7. 
(2.)   For  the  fpceial  tokens  of  his  favour  to  the  church,  his 
peculiar  people,  verf.  8. — 13.  And  then,  (3. 
id  praifeth  God  for  his  own  experiences  of  his  goodncis  U> 
him  in  particular,  efpecially  in  an!  rs,  verf. 

13. — 20.     If  we  have  learned  in  ei  -  1  give  thanks 

for  ancient  and  modern  merci( 
cies,   we  (ball  know  how  to  Gng  this  pi... 
underflanding. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  fong  ir  pfalm. 

ALL  lands,  to  God  in  joyful  founds 
aloft  your  voices  raife. 

2  Sing  forth  the  honour  of  his  name, 

and  glorious  make  his  praife. 

3  Say  unto  God,  How  terrible 

in  all  thy  works  art  thou  ? 
Through  thy  great  pow'r  thy  foes  to  thee 
fnall  be  conftrain'd  to  bow. 

4  All  on  the  earth  fhall  worihip  thee, 

they  fhall  thy  praife  proclaim 
In  fongs :  they  fhall  fing  cheerfully 
unto  thy  holy  name. 

5  Come,  and  the  works  that  God  hath 

with  admiration  fee:        (wrought 
In's  working  to  the  fons  of  men 
moft  terrible  is  he. 

6  Into  dry  land  the  fea  he  turn'd, 

and  they  a  paifage  had, 

Ev'n 


PSALM    LXVI.         163 

Ev'n  marching  through  the  flood  on  foot 
there  we  in  him  were  glad. 

7  He  rulcth  ever  by  his  pow'r, 

his  eyes  the  nations  fee: 
O  let  not  the  rebellious  ones 
lift  up  themfelves  on  high. 

8  Ye  people,  blefs  our  God;  aloud 

the  voice  (peak  of  his  praife: 

9  Our  foul  in  life  who  fafe  preferves, 

our  foot  from  Aiding  ftays. 

I  o  For  thou  didil  prove  and  try  us.  Lord, 

as  men  do  iilver  try : 

I I  Brought'ft  us  into  the  net,  and  mad'ft, 

bands  on  our  loins  to  lie, 
1 2  Thou  haft  caus'd  men  ride  o'er  our 
and  though  that  we  did  pais    (heads : 
Through  fire  and  water,  yet  thou 
us  to  a  wealthy  place,     (broughtft 
13m  bring  bur nt-off 'rings  to  thy  houle; 
to  thee  my  vows  I'll  pay, 

14  Which  my  lips  utter'd,  my  mouth 

when  trouble  on  me  lay.    (ipake, 

15  Burnt  facrifices  of  fat  rams, 

with  incenfe,  I  will  bring; 
Of  bullocks  and  of  goats  I  will 
prefent  an  offering. 

16  All  that  fear  God,  come  here,  I'll  tell 

what  he  did  for  my  foul. 

L  2  1 7  I  with 


1 64        PSALM    LXVIL 

17  I  with  my  mouth  unto  him  cry'd, 

my  tongue  did  him  extol. 

1 8  If  in  my  heart  I  fin  regard, 

the  Lord  me  will  not  hear : 

19  But  furely  God  me  heard,  and  to 

my  pray'rs  voice  gave  ear. 

20  O  let  the  Lord,  our  gracious  God^ 

for  ever  bleffed  be,    . 
Who  turned  not  my  pray'r  from  him, 
nor  yet  his  grace  from  me. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXVH. 

This  pfalm  relates  to  .the  church,  and  is  calculated  for  the 
puhiic.  Here  is,  (1.)  A  prayer  for  the  proiperity  of  the 
church  of  Ifrael,  veif.  I.  (2.)  A  prayer  for  the  converfion 
of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  bringing  of  them  into  the  church, 
verf.  %.  3.  4.  5.  (3.)  A  prefpect  of  happy  and  glorious 
times  when  God  (hall  do  this,  verf.  6  7.  Thus  was  the 
pfalmift  carried  out  hy  the  fpirit  of  prophefy,  to  foretel  the 
glorious  eftate  of  the  chriftian  church,  in  which  Jews  and 
Gentiles  Ihould  unite  into  one  flock;  the  beginningof  which 
hlefTcd  work  ought  to  be  the  matter  of  our  joy  and  praife, 
and  the  completing  of  it,  of  our  prayer  and  hope,  in  find- 
ing this  pfalrn. 

To  the  chief  mufieian  on  Neginoth,  A  pfalrn  or  £0115, 

LORD,  biefs  and  pity  us, 
thine  on  us  with  thy  face; 
a  That  th'  earth  thy  way,  and  nations  ail 
may  know  thy  faving  grace. 

3  Let  people  praife  thee,  Lord, 

let  people  all  thee  praife. 

4  O  let  the  nations  be  glad, 

in  longs  their  voices  raifc. 
Thou'lt  juftly  people  judge, 
on  eaith  rule  nations  all. 

5  Let  people  praife  thee,  Lord,  let  them 

praiic  thee,  both  great  and  fmall. 

6  The  earth   her  fruit  thall  yield, 

our  God   ihall  bieffine  fend. 
r  God  (hall  us  blefs,  men -(hall  him  fear 

unto  earth's  utmoft  ejid.  Another 


PSALM    LXVII.         165 

Another  of  the  fame., 

LORD,  unto  us  be  merciful, 
do  thou  us  alfo  blefs; 
And  gracioufly  caufe  fhine  on  us 
the  brightnefs  of  thy  face. 

2  That  fo  thy  way  upon  the  earth 

to  all  men  may  be  known, 
Alfo  among  the  nations  all 
thy  faving  health  be  fliown. 

3  O  let  the  people  praife  thee,  Lord, 

let  people  all  thee  praife. 

4  O  let  the  nations  be  glad, 

and  fing  for  joy  always: 
For  rightly  thou  fhalt  people  judge , 
and  nations  rule  on  earth. 

5  Let  people  praife  thee,  Lord,  let  all 

the  folk  praife  thee  with  mirth. 

6  Then  fhall  the  earth  yield  her  increafe, 

God,  our  God  blefs  us  fhall. 
y  God  fhall  us  blefs,  and  of  the  earth 
the  ends  fhall  fear  him  all. 

PSALM    LXVIIL 

This  is  a  moft  excellent  pfalm,  hut  in  many  places  the  genu- 
ine ienie  is  not  eafy  to  come  at ;  for  in  this,  as  in  ibme 
other  fcriptures,  there  are  things  dark  and  hard  to  be  un- 
derftood.  It  doth  not  appear  when,  or  upon  what  occafion, 
David  penned  this  pfalm;  but  probably  it  was  when  Gcd 
having  given  him  reft  from  all  his  enemies  round  about,  he 
brought  the  ark  (which  was  both  the  token  of  God's  pre- 
sence, and  a  type  of  ChruTs  mediation)  from  the  houie  of 
Obed-edom,  to  the  tent  he  had  pitched  for  it  in  Zion  ;  for 
the  firft  words  are  the  prayer  which  Mofes  ufed  at  the  re- 
moving 


1 66        PSALM    LXVIII. 

moving  cf  the  ark,  Numb.  x.  35,  From  this  he  is  led,  hf 
the  fp'uit  of  prophefy,  to  fpeak  glorious  things  concerning 
the  MclTiah,  his  afccnfion  into  heaven,  and  the  fetting  up 
of  his  kingdom  in  the  world,  (i.)  He  begins  with  prayer, 
both  againft  God's  enemies,  verf.  I.  %. ;  and  for  his  people, 
verf.  3.  (2.)  He  proceeds  to  praife,  which  takes  up  the 
reft  of  the  pfalm,  calling  upon  all  to  praiie  God,  verf.  4. 
26.  32.;  and  fuggefting  many  things  as  matter  for  praife, 
I.  The  greatnefs  and  goodnefs  of  God,  verf.  4.  5.  6.  2. 
The  wonderful  works  God  had  wrought  for  his  people  for- 
merly, bringing  them  through  the  wildernefs,  verf.  7.  8.; 
fettling  them  in  Canaan,  verf.  9,  10. ;  giving  them  victory 
over  their  enemies,  verf.  II.  13.  ;  and  delivering  them  out 
of  the  hands  of  their  oppreiTors,  verf.  13.  14.  3.  Thefpe- 
cial  prefence  of  God  in  his  church,  verf.  15.  16.  17.  4. 
The  afcenfion  of  Chrift,  verf.  18.;  and  the  falvation  of 
Ms  people  by  him,  verf.  19.  20.  5.  The  victories  which 
Chrift  would  obtain  over  his  enemies,  and  the  favours  he 
would  beftow  upon  his  church,  verf.  21. f—  2&.  6.  The  en- 
largement of  the  church  by  the  accefHon  of  the  Gentiles  to 
it,  vtrf.  29.  30.  31.  And  fo  he  concludes  the  pfalm  with 
an  awful  acknowledgement  of  the  glory  and  grace  of  God, 
verf.  32. — 35.  With  all  thefe  great  things  we  Ihould  en- 
deavour to  be  duly  affected  in  fmging  this  pfalm. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  cr  fong  of  David, 

LET  God  arife,  and  fcattered 
let  all  his  en'mies  be; 
And  let  all  thofe  that  do  him  hate, 
before  his  prefence  flee. 

2  As  fmoke  is  driv'n,  fo  drive  thou  them* 

as  fire  melts  wax  away, 
Before  God's  face  let  wicked  men 
fo  perifh  and  decay. 

3  But  let  the  righteous  be  glad, 

let  them  before  God's  fight 
Be  very  joyful;  yea,  let  them 
rejoice  with  all  their  might. 

4  To 


PSALM    LXVIIT.         167 

4  To  God  fing,  to  his  name  fing  praife: 

extol  him  with  your  voice, 
That  rides  on  heav'n  by  his  name  J  AH, 
before  his  face  rejoice. 

5  Becaufe  the  Lord  a  father  is 

unto  the  fatherlefs : 
God  is  the  widow's  judge,  within 
his  place  of  holinefs. 

6  God  doth  the  folitary  fet 

in  families :  and  from  bands 
The  chain'd  doth  free,  but  rebels  do 
inhabit  parched  lands. 

7  O  God,  wThat  time  thou  didft  go  forth 

before  thy  peoples  face; 
And  when  through  the  great  wildernefs 

thy  glorious  marching  was : 

8Then  at  God's  prefence  fhook  the  earth, 

then  drops  from  heav'n  fell ; 

This  Sinai  fhook  before  the  Lord, 

the  God  of  Ifrael. 

9  O  God,  thou  to  thine  heritage 

didft  fend  a  plenteous  rain; 
Whereby  thou,  when  it  weary  was, 
didft  it  refrefh  again. 

10  Thy  congregation  then  did  make 

their  habitation  there: 
Of  thine  awn  goodnefs  for  the  poor, 
O  God,  thou  didft  prepare. 

11  The 


1 68        PSALM    LXVIIL 

1 1  The  Lord  himfelf  did  give  the  word, 

the  word  abroad  did  fpread  : 
Great  was  the  company  of  them 
the  fame  who  published. 

12  Kings  of  great  armies  foiled  were, 

and  forc'd  to  flee  away, 
And  women,  who  remained  at  home, 
did  diftribute  the  prey. 

1 3  Though  ye  have  lien  among  the  pots, 

like  doves  ye  fhall  appear, 
Whofe  wings  with  filver,  and  with  gold 
whofe  feathers  cov'red  are.  (kings, 

14  When  there  th'  Almighty  fcatt'red 

like  Salmon's  fnow  'twas  white. 

15  God's  hill  is  like  to  Bafhan  hill, 

like  Bafhan  hill  for  height. 

16  Why  do  ye  leap,  ye  mountains  high? 

this  is  the  hill  where  God 
Defires  to  dwell ;  yea,  God  in  it 
for  ay  will  make  abode. 

1 7  God's  chariots  twenty  thoufand  are, 

thoufands  of  angels  ftrong; 
In's  holy  place  God  is,  as  in 
mount  Sinai  them  among. 

1 8  Thou  haft,  O  Lord,  moft  glorious 

afcended  up  on  high, 
And  in  triumph  victorious  led 
captive  captivity: 

Thou 


PSALM    LXVIII.         169 

Thou  haft  received  gifts  for  men, 

for  fuch  as  did  rebel; 
Yea,  ev'n  for  them,  that  God  the  Lord 

in  midft  of  them  might  dwell. 

19  Blefs'd  be  the  Lord,  who  is  to  us 

of  our  falvation  God, 
Who  daily  with  his  benefits 
us  plenteoufly  doth  load. 

20  He  of  falvation  is  the  God, 

who  is  our  God  mod  ftrong; 
And  unto  God  the  Lord  from  death 
the  iffues  do  belong. 

2 1  But  furely  God  (hall  wound  thehead 

of  thofe  that  are  his  foes : 
The  hairy  fcalp  of  him  that  ftill 
on  in  his  trefpafs  goes. 

22  God  faid,  My  people  I  will  bring 

again  from  Bafhan  hill, 
Yea,  from  the  feas  devouring  deeps 
them  bring  again  I  will : 

23  That  in  the  blood  of  enemies 

thy  foot  imbrew'd  may  be; 
And  of  thy  dogs  dipt  in  the  fame, 
the  tongues  thou  mayeft  fee. 

24  Thy  goings  they  have  feen,  O  God, 

the  fteps  of  majefty 
Of  my  God,  and  my  mighty  King, 
within  the  fan&uary. 

25  Before 


i -o        P  S  A  L  M    LXVIII. 

25  Before  went  fingers,  players  next 

on  instruments  took  wav. 
And  them  among  the  damfels  were 
that  did  on  timbrels  play. 

26  Within  the  congregations 

blefs  God  with  one  accord; 
From  IfraTs  fountain  do  ye  blefs, 
and  praife  the  mighty  Lord. 

27  With  their  prince  little  Benjamin, 

princes  and  counfel  there 
Of  Judah  were,  there  Zebulun's 
and  Napht'li's  princes  were,  (ftrong 

28  Thy  God  commands  thy  ftrength:  make 

what  thou  wrought'ft  for  us,  Lord. 

29  For  thy  houfe  at  Jerufalem, 

kings  fhall  thee  gifts  afFord. 

30  The  Ipearmens  hoft,  the  multitude 

of  bulls,  which  fiercely  look, 
Thofe  calves,  which  people  have  forth 

O  Lord  our  God,  rebuke,       (lent, 
Till  ev'ry  one  fubmit  himfelf, 

and  filver-pieces  bring : 
The  people  that  delight  in  war 
fperfe,  O  God  and  King. 

3 1  Thofe  that  be  princes  great,  fhall  then 

come  out  of  Egypt  lands, 
And  Ethiopia  to  God 
fhall  fcon  ftretch  out  her  hands. 

2  Oall 


0' 


PSALM    LXVIII.         171 

32  O  all  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth, 

fing  praiies  to  this  King, 
For  he  is  Lord  that  ruleth  all, 
unto  him  praifes  fing. 

33  To  him  that  rides  on  heav'ns  of  hea- 

which  he  of  old  did  found ;    (v'ns, 
Lo,  he  fends  forth  his  voice,  a  voice 

in  might  that  doth  abound, 
34.  Strength  unto  God  do  ye  afcribe; 

for  his  excellency 
Is  over  Ifrael,  his  ftrength 

is  in  the  clouds  mod  high. 
35  Thou'rt  from  thy  temple  dreadful, 

IfraTs  own  God  is  he,        (Lord, 
Who  gives  his  people  ftrength  and 

O  let  God  bleffed  be*  (pow'r : 

PSALM     LXIX. 

David  penned  this  pfalm  when  he  was  in  affliction ;  and  in  it, 
(i.)  He  complains  of  the  great  diftrefs  and  trouble  he  was 
in,  and  earneftly  hegs  of  God  to  relieve  and  fuccour  him, 
yerf.  1.  21.  (2.)  He  imprecates  the  judgment  of  God  upon 
his  perfecutors,  verf.  22. — 29.  (3.)  He  concludes  with  the 
voice  of  joy  andpraifc,  in  an  afTurence  that  God  would  help 
and  fuccour  him,  and  would  do  well  for  the  church,  verf. 
30. — 36.  Now,  in  this  David  was  a  type  of  Chrift,  and 
divers  paflages  in  this  pfalm  are  applied  toChrift  in  iheNew 
Telrament,  and  are  fa  id  to  have  their  aecomplif'- 
liim,  verf  4.  9.  21.  and  verf.  2*.  refers  to  the  enemies  of 
Chrift.  So  that  (like  the  xxiid  pfaim)  it  begins  with  the 
humiliation,  and  ends  with  the  exaltation  of  Chrift,  one 
branch  of  which  was  the  deRrudtion  of  the  Jcwifti  nation 
for  perfecuting  him,  which  the  imprecations  here  are  pre- 
dictions of.  And  in  llnging  this  pfalm,  we  mutt  have  l;i  eye 
to  the  fufTerings  of  Chriit,  and  the  glory  that  followed ; 
not  forgetting  the  fufTerings  of  Chriftiarts  too,  and  the  glory 

that 


172        PSALM    LXIX. 

that  ftiall  follow  them  ;  for  it  may  lead  us  to  think  of  the 
ruin  referred  for  the  perfecutors,  and  the  reft  referved  for 
the  perfecuted. 

To  the  chief  mnfician  upon  Shofhannim,  A  ffalm  of  David. 

AV  E  me,  O  God,  becaufe  the  floods 
do  fo  environ  me, 
That  ev'n  into  my  very  foul 
come  in  the  waters  be. 

2  I  downward  in  deep  mire  do  fink, 

where  Handing  there  is  none : 
I  am  into  deep  wraters  come, 
where  floods  have  o'er  me  gone. 

3  I  weary  with  my  crying  am, 

my  throat  is  alfo  dry'd, 
Mine  eyes  do  fail,  while  for  my  God 
I  waiting  do  abide. 

4  Thofe  men  that  do  without  a  caufe 

bear  hatred  unto  me, 
Than  are  the  hairs  upon  my  head, 

in  number  more  they  be: 
They  that  wrould  me  deftroy,  and  arc 

mine  en'mies  wrongfully, 
Are  mighty :  fo,  wrhat  I  took  not, 

to  render  fore'd  was  I. 

5  Lord,  thou  my  folly  know'ft,  my  fins 

not  cover'd  are  from  thee. 

6  Let  none  that  wTait  on  thee  be  fham'd, 

Lord  God  of  hofts,  for  me  : 

OLord 


P  S  A  L  M    LXIX.         173 

O  Lord  the  God  of  Iirael, 

let  none,  who  fearch  do  make, 
And  feek  thee,  be  at  any  time 
confounded  for  my  fake. 
j  For  I  have  borne  reproach  for  thee, 
my  face  is  hid  with  fhame. 

8  To  brethren  ftrange,  to  mother's  fons 

an  alien  I  became. 

9  Becaufe  the  zeal  did  eat  me  up, 

which  to  thy  houie  1  bare; 
And  the  reproaches  caft  at  thee, 

upon  me  fallen  are. 
1  o  My  tears  and  falls,  t'affiict  my  fouI5 

were  turned  to  my  fhame. 
z  1  When  fackcloth  I  did  wear,  to  them 

a  proverb  I  became. 

1 2  The  men  that  in  the  gate  do  fit, 

againft  me  evil  fpake : 
They  alfo  that  vile  drunkards  were, 
of  me  their  fong  did  make. 

13  But  in  an  acceptable  time, 

my  pray'r,  Lord,  is  to  thee ; 
In  truth  of  thy  falvation,  Lord, 
and  mercy  great,  hear  me. 

14  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire, 

from  finking  do  me  keep; 
Free  me  from  thole  that  do  me  hate, 
and  from  the  waters  deep. 

15  Let 


L 


174        PSALM    LXIX. 

15  Let  not  the  flood  on  me  prevail, 

whofe  water  overflows ; 
Nor  deep  me  fwallow,  nor  the  pit 
her  mouth  upon  me  clofe. 

16  Hear  me,  O  Lord,  becaufe  thy  love 

and  kindnefs  is  moil  good; 
Turn  unto  me,  according  to 
thy  mercies  multitude. 

1 7  Nor  from  thy  fervant  hide  thy  face; 

I'm  troubled,  foon  attend. 

1 8  Draw  near  my  foul,  and  it  redeem; 

me  from  my  foes  defend. 

19  To  thee  is  my  reproach  well  known, 

my  fhame,  and  my  difgrace : 
Thofe  that  mine  adverfaries  be, 
are  all  before  thy  face. 

20  Reproach  hath  broke  my  heart,  I'm 

of  grief;  I  look'd  for  one       (full 
To  pity  me,  but  none  I  found ; 
comforters  found  I  none.  * 

21  They  alfo  bitter  gall  did  give 

unto  me  for  my  meat : 
They  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink, 
when  as  my  thirft  was  great. 

22  Before  them  let  their  table  prove 

a  fnare ;  and  do  thou  make 
Their  welfare  and  prefperity 
a  trap  themfelves  to  take. 

23  Let 


P  S  A  L  M    LXIX.         175 

23  Let  thou  yes  fo  darkned  be, 

that  fight  may  them  fcrfake: 
And  let  their  loins  be  made  by  thee 
continually  to  ihake. 

24  Thy  fury  pour  thou  out  on  them, 

and  in  )n: 

And  let  tl  hful  anger,  Lord, 

faft  hold  take  them  upon. 

25  All  wafte  and  defolate  let  be 

their  habicati 
And  in  their  tabernacles  all 
inhabitants  be  none. 

26  Becaufe  him  they  do  perfecute, 

whom  thou  didft  finite  before ; 

They  talk  unto  the  grief  of  thofe 

whom  thou  haft  wounded  fore. 

27  Add  thou  iniquity  unto 

their  former  wickednefs  : 
And  do  not  let  them  come  at  all 

into  thy  righteoufnefs. 
2S  Out  of  the  book  of  life  let  them 

be  raz'd  and  blotted  quite; 
Among  the  juft  and  righteous 

let  not  their  names  be  writ. 
29  But  now  become  exceeding  poor 

and  forrowful  am  I  : 
By  thy  falvation,  O  my  God, 


let  me  be  fet  on  high. 


30  The 


i76        P  S  A  L  M    iXIX.    ' 

30  The  name  of  God  I  with  a  fong 

moft  cheerfully  will  praife ; 
And  I,  in  giving  thanks  to  him, 
his  name  fhall  highly  raife. 

31  This  to  the  Lord  a  facrifice, 

more  gracious  fhall  prove, 
Than  bullock,  ox,  or  any  beaft, 
that  hath  both  horn  and  hoof. 
3  2\Vhen  this  the  humble  men  fhall  fee, 
it  joy  to  them  fhall  give: 
O  all  ve  that  do  feek  the  Lord, 
your  hearts  fhall  ever  live. 
3  3  For  Good  the  poor  hears,  and  will  not 
his  prifoners  contemn. 

34  Let  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  feas  him 

and  all  that  move  in  them,     (praife, 

35  For  God  will  Judah's  cities  build, 

and  he  will  Sion  fave; 
That  they  may  dwell  therein,  and  it 
in  fure  poiTeffion  have. 
*6  And  they  that  are  his  fervants  feed 
inherit  fhall  the  fame; 
So  fhall  they  have  their  dwelling  there, 
that  love  his  bleffed  name. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXX. 

This  pfahn  is  adapted  to  a  ftate  of  affliction  ;  it  i^   copied  al- 
jroft  word  for  word  from    another  pialm;   a:    . 
for  that  reaibn  is  entitled,  '  A  pfalm  to  bring  to  remem- 
*  bjancc,'  for  it  may  beef  ufi 

pi  aycrs 


PSALM    LXX. 


77 


prayers  we  have  formerly  made  to  God,  upon  the  like  oc- 
casions, which  may  be  done  with  new  affections.  David 
here  prays  that  God  would  fend,  (r.)  Help  to  himfelf, 
verf.  r.  5.  (2.)  Shame  to  his  enemies,  verf.  %.  3.  (3.)  Joy 
to  his  friends,  verf,  4.  Thefe  five  vcrfes  were  the  five  laft 
verfes  of  Pfal.  xi.  He  feems  to  have  intended  this  mort 
prayer  to  be  both  for  himfelf  and  as  a  falve  for  every  fore, 
and  therefore  to  be  always  in  mind,  and  in  finging  we  may 
apply  it  to  our  particular  troubles,  whatever  they  are. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A pfalm  of  David,  to  bring  to  rejnem- 
brance. 

LOrd,  hafte  me  to  deliver, 
with  fpeed,  Lord,  fucconr  me. 
S  Let  them  that  for  my  foul  do  feek 
fham'd  and  confounded  be : 

Turn,d  back  be  they,  and  fhara'd, 
that  in  my  hurt  delight. 

3  Turn'd  back  be  they,  Ha,  ha,  that  fay., 

their  ihaming  to  requite. 

4  In  thee  let  all  he  glad, 

and  joyMhat  feek  for  thee: 
Let  them  who  thy  falvation  love, 
fay  (till,  God  praifed  be. 

^  I  poor  and  needy  am, 

come,  Lord,  and  make  no  (lay: 
My  help  thou  and  deliv'rer  art, 
Q  Lord,  make  no  delay. 

Another  of  the  fame. 

MAKE  hafte,  O  God,  me  to  preferve, 
with  fpeed,  Lord,  fuccour  me. 
2  Let  them  that  for  my  foul  do  feek, 
iham'd  and  confounded  bej 

M  Let 


ifg         P  S  A  L  M    LXX. 

Let  them  be  turned  back,  and  fham'd, 
that  in  my  hurt  delight. 

3  Turn'd  back  be  they,  Ha,  ha,  that  iay> 

their  fhaming  to  requite. 

4  O  Lord,  in  thee  let  all  be  glad, 

and  joy  that  feek  for  thee : 
Let  them,  who  thy  falvation  love? 
fay  ftill,  God  praifed  be. 

5  But  I  both  poor  and  needy  am, 

come,  Lord,  and  make  no  ftay; 
My  help  thou  and  deliverer  art* 
O  Lord,  make  no  delay. 

P  S  A  L  M     LXXI. 

David  penned  this  pfalm  in  his  old  sge,  as  appears  by  feveral 
parages  in  it ;  which  makes  many  chink  that  it  was  penned 
at  the  time  of  Abialom's  rebellion;  for  that  was  the  great 
trouble  of  his  latter  days:  it  might  be  occasioned  by  She- 
fca's  infurre£tion,  or  fome  trouble  that  happened  to  him  in 
that  part  of  his  life,  of  which  it  was  foretold,  that  the 
fvvord  fhould  not  depart  from  his  hcufe.  But  he  is  not  over 
particular  in  representing  his  cafe,  becaufe  he  intended  it 
tor  the  general  ufe  of  God's  people  in  their  affliction,  espe- 
cially thofe  they  meet  with  in  their  declining  years;  for 
this  pfalm,  above  any  other,  is  fitted  for  the  uie  of  the 
old  difciples  of  Jefus  Chrifh  (i.)  He  beeins  the  pfalm  with 
believing  prayers;  with  prayers  that  God  would  deliver  him, 
and  '  fave  him,'  veif.  2.  4.;  and  not4  call  him  oil,'  veil. 
9.;  or  be  '  far  from  him,'  verf.  12.;  and  that  his  enemies 
might  be  put  to  (name,  verf.  13.  He  pleads  his  confidence 
in  G -->.],  veils  1.  3.  5.  7.;  the  experience  he  had  had  of 
help  from  Gad,  xcii.  6.;  and  the  malice  of  kis  enemies 
againft  hirti,  verf.  10.  11.  (2.)  He  concludes  the  pfalm 
with  believiag  prahes,  vtrf.  14.  &c.  Never  was  iris  hope 
inofe  efiablnhec,  vuf.  16.  18.  20.  21.  Never  were  his 
joys  a  bid  tliaokfgivings  more  enlarged,  verf.  15.  19.  2Z. 
23.  24.  He  is  in  an  ecftafy  of  joyful  praife,  and  in  the  ting- 
ing of  it  we  Pnould  liave  our  faith  in  God  encourage-d,  and 
our  hearts  raiie  his  iioly  nan:  v. 

O  Lord, 


PSALM    LXXL         179 

OLord,  my  hope  and  confidence 
is  plac'd  in  thee  alone: 
Then  let  thy  fervant  never  be 
put  to  confufion. 

2  And  let  me  in  thy  righteoufnefs, 

from  thee  deliv'rance  have; 
Caufe  me  eicape,  incline  thine  ear 
unto  me,  and  me  fave. 

3  Be  thou  my  dwelling  rock,  to  which 

I  ever  may  refort : 
Thou  gav'ft  commandment  me  to  fave, 
for  thou'rt  my  rock  and  fort. 

4  Free  me,  my  God,  from  wicked  hands, 

hands  cruel  and  unjuft. 

5  For  thou,  O  Lord  God,  art  my  hope, 

and  from  my  youth,  my  truft. 

6  Thou  from  the  womb  didft  hold  me 

thou  art  the  fame  that  me         (up ; 
Out  of  my  mother's  bowels  took, 
I  ever  will  praife  thee. 

7  To  many  I  a  wonder  am; 

but  thou'rt  my  refuge  ftrong. 

8  Fill'd  let  my  mouth  be  with  thy  praife 

and  honour,  all  day  long,    i 

9  O  do  not  caft  me  off,  when  as 

old  age  doth  overtake  me; 
And,  when  my  ftrength  decayed  is, 
then  do  not  thou  forfake  me. 

M  2  10  For 


1S0      SP  S  A  L  M    LXXI. 

10  For  thofe  that  are  mine  enemies? 

againft  me  fpeak  with  hate : 
And  they  together  counfel  take, 
that  for  my  foul  lay  wait. 

1 1  They  faid,  God  leaves  him ;  him  pur- 

and  take:  none  will  him  fa  ve.     (fue 

12  Be  thou  not  far  from  me,  my  God: 

thy  fpeedy  help  I  crave. 

13  Confound,  confume  them,  that  unto 

my  foul  are  enemies : 
Clothed  be  they  with  reproach  and  fhame 
thafdo  my  hurt  devife. 

14  But  I  with  expectation 

will  wait  continually; 
And  yet  with  praifes  more  and  more 
I  will  thee  magnify. 

15  Thy  juftice  and  falvation 

my  mouth  abroad  fliall  fhow* 
Ev*n  all  the  day;  for  I  thereof 
the  numbers  do  not  know. 

16  And  I  will  conftantly  go  on 

in  ftrength  of  God  the  Lord : 
And  thine  own  righteoufnefs,  ev'n  thine 
alone,  I  will  record, 

17  For,  even  from  my  youth,  QGod, 

by  thee  I  have  been  taught : 
And  hitherto  I  have  declared 
the  wonders  thou  haft  wrought. 

18  And 


PSALM    LXXI.         181 

1 8  And  now,  Lord,  leave  me  not  when  I 

old  and  gray-headed  grow: 
Till  to  this  age  thy  ftrength  and  pow'r 
to  all  to  come  I  fhow. 

19  And  thy  moft  perfed  righteoufnefs, 

O  Lord,  is  very  high, 
Who  haft  fo  great  things  done :  O  God, 
who  is  like  unto  thee  ? 

20  Thou,  Lord,  who  great  adverfities, 

and  fore  to  me  didft  fhow, 
Shalt  quicken,  and  bring  me  again 
from  depths  of  earth  below. 

2 1  My  greatnefs,and  my  pow'r,thou  wrilt 

increafe,  and  far  extend: 
On  ev'ry  fide,  againft  all  grief 
thou  wilt  me  comfort  fend. 

22  Thee,  ev'n  thy  truth  I'll  alio  praife, 

my  God,  with  pfaltery: 
Thou  holy  One  of  Ifrael, 
with  harp  I'll  fing  to  thee. 

23  My  lips  fhall  much  rejoice  in  thee, 

when  I  thy  praifes  found  : 
My  foul,  which  thou  redeemed  haft, 
in  joy  fhall  much  abound. 

24  My  tongue  thy  jufticefhal  I  proclaim, 

continuing  all  day  long : 
For  they  confounded  are,  and  fham'd, 
that  feek  to  do  me  wrong. 

PSALM 


182        PSALM    LXXII. 

The  foregoing  pfalm  was  penned  by  David  when  he  was  old, 
and,  it  mould  feem,  fo  was  this  too  ;  for  Solomon  was  now 
franding  fair  for  the  crown;  that  was  his  prayer  for  himlelf, 
this  for  his  ion  and  iucceilor;  and  with  thefe  two,  the  pray- 
ers of  David  the  fon  of  JeiTe  are  ended,  as  we  find  in  the 
clofe  of  this  pfalm.  If  we  have  but  God's  prefence  with  us 
while  we  live,  and  good  hopes  concerning  thofe  that  lhall 
come  after  us,  that  they  fhall  be  praifmg  God  on  earth, 
when  we  are  praifmg  him  in  heaven,  it  is  enough.  This  is 
intitled.  A  pfalm  for  Solomon:  it  is  probable,  David  dicta- 
ted it,  or  rather  it  was  by  tke  blefled  Spirit  dictated  fen  him, 
when  a  little  before  he  died,  by  divine  direction  he  fettled 
the  fucceflicn,  and  gave  orders  to  proclaim  Solomon  king, 
I  Kings  i.  30.  But  though  Solomon's  name  is  here  made 
ufe  of,  Chrift's  kingdom  is  here  prophefied  of,  under  the 
tvpeand  figure  of  Solomon's.  David  knew  what  the  divine 
oiacle  was,  That  *  of  the  fruit  of  his  loins,  according  to 
*  the  fleih,  he  would  raife  up  Chrifl:  to  fit  on  his  throne,' 
Adts  ii.  30.  And  to  him  he  here  bare  witnefs,  and  with 
the  profpect  of  the  gloriesof  his  kingdom  he  comforted  him- 
felf  in  his  dying  moments,  when  he  forefavv  that  his  honfe 
would  not  be  fo  with  God,  not  fo  great,  not  (o  good,  as  he 
wifhed.  David  in  fpirit,  (i.)  Begins  with  a  fhort  prayer 
for  his  fuecefTbr,  verf.  I.  (2.)  He  pafTeth  immediately  into 
a  long  prediction  of  the  glories  of  his  reign,  verf.  2. — 17. 
And,  (3.)  He  concludes  with  praife  to  the  God  of  Ifrael, 
verf.  iS.  19.  20.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  muft  have  an 
eye  to  Chrilt,  praifing  him  as  a  King,  and  pleafing  ourfelves 
with  our  happinefs  as  his  fubjects. 

A  ffalm  for  Solomon. 

OLord,  thy  judgments  give  the  king, 
his  fon  thy  righteoufnefs. 

2  With  right  he  fhall  thy  people  judge, 

thy  poor  with  uprightnefs. 

3  The  lofty  mountains  fhall  bring  forth 

unto  the  people  peace; 
Likevnfe  the  little  hills  the  fame 
fhall  do  by  righteoufnefs. 
a  The  people's  poor  ones  he  fhall  judge, 
the  needy's  children  fave: 

And 


PSALM    LXXIL 

And  thofe  fliall  he  in  pieces  break, 
who  them  opprefled  have, 
j  They  (hall  thee  fear,  while  fun  and 
do  laft,  through  ages  all.     (moon 

6  Like  rain  on  mown  grafs  he  fhall  drop, 

or  fhow'rs  on  earth  that  fall. 

7  The  juft  fhall  flourifh  in  his  days, 

and  proiper  in  his  reign: 
He  fhall,  while  doth  the  moon  endure, 
abundant  peace  maintain. 

8  His  large  and  great  dominion  fhall 

from  fea  to  fea  extend : 
It  from  the  river  fhall  reach  forth 
unto  earth's  utmoft  end. 

9  They  in  the  wildernefs  that  dwell, 

bowr  down  before  him  mud: 
And  they,  that  are  his  enemies, 
fhall  lick  the  very  dult. 

10  The  kings  of  Tarfhifh,  and  the  ifies 

to  him  fhall  prefents  bring; 
And  unto  him  fhall  offer  gitts 
Sheba's  and  Seba's  king. 

1 1  Yea  all  the  mighty  kings  on  earth 

before  him  down  fhall  fall; 
And  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
do  fervice  to  him  fhall. 

12  For  he  the  needy  fhall  preferve, 

when  he  to  him  doth  call; 

The 


184        PSALM    LXXII. 

The  poor  alfo,  and  him  that  hath 
no  help  of  man  at  all. 

13  The  poor  man  and  the  indigent, 

in  mercy  he  fhall  fpare; 
He  fhall  preferve  alive  the  fouls 
of  thofe  that  needy  are. 

14  Both  from  deceit  and  violence, 

their  foul  he  fhall  fet  free; 
And  in  his  fight  right  precious 
and  dear  their  blood  fhall  be. 

15  Yea,  he  fhall  live,  and  giv'n  to  him 

fhall  be  of  Sheba's  gold; 
For  him  flill  fhall  they  pray,  and  he 
fhall  daily  be  extolPd. 

1 6  Of  corn  an  handful  in  the  earth 

on  tops  of  mountains  high,  (trees 
With  profp'rous  fruit  fhall  fhake,  like 

on  Lebanon  that  be. 
The  city  fhall  be  flourifhing, 

her  citizens  abound 
In  number  fhall,  like  to  the  grafs 

that  grows  upon  the  ground. 

17  His  name  for  ever  fhall  endure, 

laft  like  the  fun  it  fhall : 
Men  fhall  be  blefs'd  in  him,  and  blefsM 
all  nations  fhall  him  call. 

1 8  Now  blelfed  be  the  Lord  our  God, 

the  God  of  Ifrael, 

For 


PSALM    LXXIII.         185 

For  he  alone  doth  wondrous  works, 
in  glory  that  excel. 
19  And  blelfed  be  his  glorious  name 
to  all  eternity; 
The  whole  earth  let  his  glory  fill : 
Amen,  io  let  it  be. 

20.  The  prayers  of  David  the  fon  of  JefTe  are  ended. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXXIII. 

This  pfalm,  and  the  ten  that  next  follow  it,  carry  the  name 
of  Afaph  in  the  titles  of  them;  if  he  was  the  penman,  of 
them,  (as  many  think,)  we  rightly  rail  them  pialms  of 
Alaph:  if  he  was  only  the  chief  mufician,  to  whom  they 
were  delivered,  our  marginal  reading  is  right,  which  calls 
them  pfalms  for  Alaph.  It  is  probable  he  penned  them  ;  for 
we  read  of  the  words  of  David,  and  of  Afaph  the  leer, 
which  were  ufed  in  praifing  God  in  Hezekiah's  time,  % 
Chron.  xxix.  $o.  Though  the  ipirit  of  propriety,  by  fa- 
crcd  longs,  defended  chiefly ^n  David,  who  is  therefore 
Ailed  the  fweet  pfalmiir.  of  Ilrael;  yet  God  put  fomeof  that 
fpirit  upon  thofe  about  him.  This  is  a  pfalm  of  great  uie; 
it  gives  us  an  account  of  the  conflict  which  the  pfalmift  had 
with  a  ltrcng  temptation  to  envy  the  profperity  of  wicked 
people.  He  begins  his  account  with  a  faered  principle 
which  he  held  fait,  and  by  the  help  of  which  he  kept  his 
ground,  and  carried  his  point,  verf.  I.:  and  then  tells  us 
(l.)  How  he  got  into  the  temptation,  verf.  2. — 14.  (2.) 
How  he  got  out  of  the  temptation,  andgained'a  victory  over 
it,  verf.  15. — ZO,  (3.)  How  he  got  by  the  temptation, 
and  was  the  better  for  it,  verf.  21. — 28.  And  if,  in  fin g- 
ing  this  pfalm,  we  fortify  curfelves  again  It  the  like  temp- 
tation, we  do  not  ufe  it  in  vain.  The  experiences  of  others 
ihould  be  our  inltructions. 

A  pfalm  of  Afaph. 

YET  God  is  good  to  Ifrael, 
to  each  pure  hearted  one. 

2  But  as  for  me,  my  fteps  near  flipt, 

my  feet  were  almoft  gone. 

3  For  I  envious  was,  and  grudg'd 

the  fooliih  folk  to  fee, 

When 


i36      psalm  Lxxirr. 

When  I  perceiv'd  the  wicked  fort 
enjoy  profperity. 

4  For  ftill  their  ftrength  continueth  fit mj 

their  death  of  bands  is  free  : 

5  They  are  not  toil'd  as  other  men, 

nor  plaguM  as  others  be. 

6  Therefore  their  pride,  like  to  a  chain, 

them  compaffeth  about; 
And,  as  a  garment,  violence 

doth  cover  them  throughout. 
j  Their  eyes  ftand  out  with  fat,  they  have 

more  than  their  hearts  could  wifh. 
3  They  are  corrupt,  their  talk  of  wrong 

both  lewd  and  lofty  is. 
9  They  fet  their  mouth  againft  the  hea- 

in  their  blafphemous  talk;       (v'ns 
And  their  reproaching  tongue  through- 

the  earth  at  large  doth  walk.       (out 
io  His  people  oftentimes  for  this 

look  back,  and  turn  about; 
Sith  waters  of  fo  full  a  cup 

to  thefe  are  poured  out. 

1 1  And  thus  they  fay,  How  can  it  be 

that  God  thefe  things  doth  know? 
Or,  can  there  in  the  higheft  be, 
knowledge  of  things  below  ? 

12  Behold,  thefe  are  the  wicked  ones, 

yet  profper  at  their  will 

In 


PSALM    LXXIII.         187 

In  wordly  things,  they  do  incrcale 
in  wealth  and  riches  ftill. 
Ij  I  verily  have  done  in  vain 
my  heart  to  purify: 
To  no  effect  in  innocence 
walhed  my  hands  have  L 
14  For  daily,  and  all  day  throughout, 
great  plagues  I  fuffer'd  have ; 
Yea,  ev'ry  morning  I  of  new 
did  chaftifement  receive, 
T$  If  in  this  manner  foolifhly 
to  fpeak  I  would  intend, 
Thy  children's  generation, 
•behold,  I  fhould  offend. 
16  When  I  this  thought  to  know,  it  was 

too  hard  a  thing  for  me: 

1  j  Till  to  God's  fan&uary  I  went, 

then  I  their  end  did  fee. 

1 8  Affuredly  thou  didft  them  fet 

a  flipp'ry  place  upon : 
Them  fuddenly  thou  caftedft  down 
into  deftru&ion. 

19  How  in  a  moment  fuddenly 

to  ruin  brought  are  they ! 
With  fearful  terrors  utterly 
they  are  confum'd  away. 

20  Ev'n  like  unto  a  dream,  when  one 

from  fleeping  doth  arife; 

So 


1 88        PSALM    LXXIII. 

So  thou,  O  Lord,  when  thou  awak'ft, 
their  image  fhalt  defpife. 

2 1  Thus  grieved  was  my  heart  in  mc, 

and  me  my  reins  oppreft: 

22  So  rude  was  I,  and  ignorant, 

and  in  thy  fight  a  beaft. 

23  Nevertheless  continually, 

O  Lord,  I  am  with  thee : 
Thou  doft  me  hold  by  my  right  handj 
and  ftill  upholdeft  me. 

24  Thou,  with  thy  counfel,  while  I  live, 

wilt  me  conduct  and  guide; 
And  to  thy  glory  afterward 
receive  me  to  abide. 

25  Whom  have  I  in  the  heav'ns  high, 

but  thee,  O  Lord,  alone? 
And  in  the  earth,  whom  I  defire 

befides  thee,  there  is  none. 
2  6  My  fiefh  and  heart  doth  faint  and  fail, 

but  God  doth  fail  me  never: 
For  of  my  heart  God  is  the  ftrength, 

and  portion  for  ever. 

27  For  lo,  they  that  are  far  from  thee, 

for  ever  perilh  {hall : 
Them  that  a  whoring  from  thee  go, 
thou  haft  deftroyed  all. 

28  But  furely  it  is  good  for  me, 

that  I  draw  near  to  God, 

In 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXIV.        189 

In  God  1  trnft,  that  all  thy  works 
I  may  declare  abroad. 

PSALM    LXXIV. 

This  pfalmdoth  fo  particularly  describe  the  deftruc'Hon  of  Je- 
rufalemand  the  temple,  by  Nebuchadnezzar  and  the  army 
of  the  Chaldeans,  and  can  fo  hardly  be  applied  to  any  other 
event  we  meet  with  in  the  Jewiih  hifrory,  that  interpreters 
incline  to  think,  either  it  was  penned  by  David,  or  Afaph 
in  David's  time,  with  a  prophetical  reference  to  that  lad 
event;  which  yet  is  not  fo  probable;  or,  that  it  was  pen- 
ned by  another  Afaph,  that  lived  at  the  time  of  the  capti- 
vity, or  by  Jeremiah,  (for  it  is  of  a  peace  with  his  lamen- 
tations,) or  fome  other  prophet,  and.after  the  return  out 
of  captivity,  was  delivered  to  the  fons  of  Afaph,  who  were 
called  by  his  name,  for  the  publick  fervice  of  the  chinch: 
and  that  .was  the  mod  eminent  family  of  the  fingers  in 
Ezra's  time.  See  Ezra  ii.  41.  &  in.  10.  Neitf.  xi.  17.  22. 
£z  xii.  35.  46.  The  deplorable  cafe  of  the  people  of  God 
at  that  time  is  here  fpread  before  the  Lord,  and  left  with 
him,  The  prophet,  in  the  name  of  the  church,  (1)  Puts  in 
complaining  pleas  of  the  miferies  they  (hftered,  for  the 
quickening  of  their  defires  in  prayer,  verf.  1. — ri.  (1.) 
He  puts  in  comfortable  pleas  for  the  encpuraging  of  their 
faith  in  prayer,  verf.  12. — 17.  (3.)  Ke  conclude, 
divers  petitions  to  God  for  deliverances,  Terf.  18. — 23.  h> 
finging  it,  we  muft  be  affected  with  the  former  deflations 
of  the  church,  for  we  are  members  of  the  fame  body,  and 
may  apply  it  to  any  preient  diftreifes  or  deviations  of  any 
part  of  the  chriftian  church. 

Mafcbil  of  Aia; 

OGod,  why  haft  thou  caft  us  off? 
is  it  for  evermore  ? 
Againft  thy  pafture-fheep  why  doth 
thine  anger  fmoke  fo  fore? 
2  O  call  to  thy  rememberance 
thy  congregation, 
Which  thou  haft  purehaied  of  old; 
(till  think  the  ititsSb  upon: 

I  he 


190        PSALM    LXXIV. 

The  rod  of  thine  inheritance, 
which  thou  redeemed  haft; 

This  Sion  hill,  wherein  thou  hadft 
thy  dwelling  in  times  paft. 

3  To  theie  long  defolations 

thy  feet  lift,  do  not  tarry : 
For  all  the  ills  thy  foes  have  done 
within  thy  fan&uary. 

4  Amidii  thy  congregations 

thine  enemies  do  rore: 
Their  enfigns  they  fet  up,  for  figns 
of  triumph,  thee  before. 

5  A  man  was  famous,  and  was  had 

in  eftimation, 
According  as  he  lifted  up 
his  axe  thick  trees  upon. 

6  But  all  at  once  with  axes  now, 

and  hammers  they  go  to, 
And  down  the  carved  work  thereof 
thev  break  and  quite  undo. 

7  They  fired  have  thy  fanttuary, 

and  have  defil'd  the  fame, 
By  calling  down  unto  the  ground 
the  place  where  dwelt  thy  name. 

8  Thus  faid  they  in  their  hearts,  Let  us 

deftroy  them  out  of  hand : 
They  burnt  up  all  the  fynagc^ues 
of  God  within  the  land. 

9  Our 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXIV.         191 

0  Our  figns  we  do  not  now  behold; 

there  is  not  us  among 
A  prophet  more,  nor  any  one 
that  knows  the  time  how  long, 

10  How  long,  Lord,  fhall  the  enemy 

thus  in  reproach  exclaim  ? 
And  fhall  the  adverfary  thus 
always  blafpheme  thy  name?   (might, 

1 1  Thy  hand,  ev'n  thy  right  hand  of 

why  doft  thou  thus  draw  back? 

0  from  thy  bofom  pluck  it  out, 
for  our  deliverance  fake, 

12  For  certainly  God  is  my  King, 

ev'n  from  the  times  of  old, 
Working  in  midit  of  all  the  earth 
falvation  manifold. 

1 3  The  fea,  by  thy  great  power,  to  part 

afunder  thou  didft  make: 
And  thou  the  dragons  heads,  O  Lord, 
withih  the  waters  brake. 

14  The  leviathan's  heads  thou  brak'ft 

in  pieces,  and  didft  give 

1  *:.:  to  be  meat  unto  the  folk 
in  wildernefs  that  live. 

1  fF\  -jvw  clav'ft  the  fountain  and  the  flood 

:ch  did  With  ftrearns  abound: 
Thou  hty  waters  up, 

unto  the  Vv:;-  hi  -nd. 

16  Thine 


192        PSALM    LXXIV. 

1 6  Thine  only  is  the  day,  O  Lord, 

thine  alfo  is  the  night: 
And  thou  alone  prepared  haft 
the  fun  and  fhining  light, 

1 7  By  thee  the  borders  of  the  earth 

were  fettled  ev'ry  where : 
The  fummer  and  the  winter  both 
by  thee  created  were. 

1 8  That  th'  enemy  reproached  hath, 

O  keep  it  in  record ; 
And  that  the  foolifh  people  have 
blafphem'd  thy  name,  O  Lord. 

1 9  Unto  the  multitude  do  not 

thy  turtle's  foul  deliver: 
The  congregation  of  thy  poor 
do  not  forget  for  ever. 

20  Unto  thy  covenant  have  refpedt: 

for  earth's  dark  places  be 
Full  of  the  habitations 
of  horrid  cruelty. 

21  O  let  not  thofe  that  be  opprefs'd, 

return  again  with  fhame: 
Let  thofe  that  poor  and  needy  are, 
give  praife  unto  thy  name. 

22  Do  thou,  O  God,  arife,  and  plead 

the  caufe  that  is  thine  own : 
Remember  how  thou  art.reproach'd 
ftill  by  the  foolifh  one. 

23  Do 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXV.         i9j 

23  Do  not  forget  the  voice  of  thofe 
that  are  thine  enemies: 
Of  thofe  the  tumult  ever  grows, 
that  do  againft  thee  rife. 

P  S  A  L  M     LXXV. 

Though  thispfalm  is  attributed  to  Afaph  in  the  title,  yet  it 
En  fo  exactly  agree  wi:h  David's  circum fiances  at  his  com- 
ing to  the  crown  after  the  death  of  Saul,  that  mod  inter- 
preters apply  it  to  that  juncture,  and  fnppofe  that  either 
tph  penned  it  in  the  perion  of  David,  as  his  poet-laureat ; 
probably,  the  fubftance  of  the  pfalm  was  fome  fpeech  which 
David  made  to  a  convention  of  the  (rates,  at  his  aceefllon 
to  the  government,  and  that  Afaph  turned  it  into  verfe, 
and  publithed  it  in  a  poem,  for  the  better  fpreading  of  it 
among  the  people;  or  that  David  penned  it,  and  delivered 
it  to  Afaph  as  precentor  of  the  temple.  In  this  pfalm,  (1.) 
David  returns  God  thanks  for  bringing  him  to  the  throne, 
rf.  1.  9.  (1.)  He.promifctb  to  lay  out  himfelf  for  the 
publick  good,  in  theufeor  the  power  God  had  given  him, 
verf.  2.  x,  ic.  (3.)  He  checks  the  infolence  ot  thofe  that 
oppofed  his  coming  to  the  throne,  verf.  4.  5:  (4.)  He 
ietcheth  a  reafon  for  ail  this  from  God's  fovereign  domini- 
on in  the  affairs  of  the  children  of  men,  werf.  6.  7.  3.  In 
finging  this  pfalm,  we  muft  give  to  God  the  glory  of  all  the 
revolutions  of  dates  and  kingdoms,  believing  that  they  are 
all  according  to  his  counie!,  and  he  will  make  them  all  to 
work  for  the  good  of  his  church. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  Altafchith,  A  pfalm  orfeng  of  Afaph. 

TO  thee,  O  God,  do  we  give  thanks, 
we  do  give  thanks  to  thee : 
Becaufe  thy  wondrous  works  declare 
thy  great  name  near  to  be. 
2  I  purpofe,  when  I  fhall  receive, 
the  congregation, 
That  I  fhall  judgment  uprightly 
render  to  ev'ry  one. 

N  3Diffolved 


i94        P  S  A  L  M    LXXV, 

3  Diffolved  is  the  land,  with  all 

that  in  the  fame  do  dwell; 
But  I  the  pillars  thereof  do 
bear  up,  and  *ftablifh  welL 

4  I  to  the  foolifh  people  faid, 

Do  not  deal  foolifhly ; 
And  unto  thofe  that  wicked  are, 
Lift  not  your  horn  on  high. 

5  Lift  not  your  horn  on  high,  nor  fpcafc 

6  with  ftubborn  neck.    But  know, 
That  nor  from  eaft,  nor  weft,  nor  fouth> 

promotion  doth  flow. 

7  But  God  is  judge:  he  puts  down  one, 

and  fets  another  up. 

8  For  in  the  hand  of  God  mofl  high 

of  red  wTine  is  a  cup : 
'Tis  full  of  mixture;  he  pours  forth, 

and  makes  the  wicked  all 
Wring  out  the  bitter  dregs  thereof; 
yea,  and  they  drink  them  fhall. 
8  But  I  for  ever  will  declare, 

I  Jacob's  God  will  praifc. 
io  All  horns  of  lewd  men  I'll  cut  off; 
but  juft  mens  horns  will  raife. 

PSALM    LXXVI. 

Thrs  pfalm  items  to  have  been  penned  upon  occafton  of  fome 
great  victory  obtained  by  the  church  over  fome  threatening 
enemy  or  other,  and  deffgned  to  grace  the  triumph.  The 
LXX.  call  it,  A  fong   upon  the  Ally  nans;  from  whence 

many 


P  S  A  L  M   LXXVI.         195 

many  good  interpreters  conjecture.,  that  it  was  penned  when 
lacherih's  army,  then  befieging  Jeiufalem,   was  entire- 
ly cut  oiFby  a  deftroying    angel,  in  Hez^kiah's  time  ;  and 
n  the  pfalm  are  very  applicable  to  that  work 
of  w.  here  was  a  religious  triumph  upon  occafion 

in  Jeholhaphat's  time,  which    might  as> 
c  the  fubjeci  of  this  pfalm,  3  Chron.  xx.  2,8.     Audit 
>f  Afaph,  becaufe  always  fung  by  the 
fons  v  Or  it  might  be  penned  by  Afaph  that  lived 

in  Davids  time,  upon  occafion  of  the  many  triumphs  with 
which  Gou  delighted  to  honour  that  reign.  Upon  occafion 
of- this  dory,  whatever  it  was,   (I.)  The  pfal mill 

congratulates  the  happinefs  of  the  church,  in  having  God 
fo  nigh,  verf.  1.  2.  3.  (2  )  He  celebrates  the  glory  of  God's 
power,  which  this  was  an  illuitriousinftance  of,  yerf.  4.  5. 
6.  (3  He  infers  from  hence  what  reafon  ail  have  to  fear  be- 
fore him,  verf.  7.  8.  9.  And,  (4.)  What  reafon  his  peo- 
ple have  to  trull  in  him,  and  to  pay  their  vows  to  him, 
10.  11.  12.  It  is  a  pfalm  proper  for  a  thankfgiving 
day,  upon  the  account  of  publick  fuccefles,  and  not  impro- 
per at  other  times,  becaufe  it  is  never  out  of  feafon  to  glorify 
God  for  the  great  things  he  has  done  for  his  church  former- 
ly efpecially  for  the  victories  of  the  redeemer  over  the  pow- 
ers of  darknefs,  which  all  thofe  Old  Teftament  victories 
were  types  of,  at  lead,  thofe  that  are  celebrated  in  the 
pfalms. 

To  the  chief  muhcian  on  Negiooth,  A  pfalm  or  fong  of  Afaph. 


I 


N  Judah's  land  God  is  well  known, 
his  name's  in  Ifr'el  great: 

2  In  Salem  is  his  tabernacle, 

in  Sion  is  his  feat. 

3  There  arrows  of  the  bow  he  brake* 

the  fhield,  the  fword,  the  war. 

4  More  glorious  thou  than  hills  of  prey, 

more  excellent  art  far.       (fpoil'd, 

5  Thofe  that  were  ftout  of  heart,  are 

they  flept  their  fleep  outright; 
And  none  of  thofe  their  hands  did  find 
that  were  the  men  of  might. 

N  2  6  When 


196        P  S  A  L  M    LXXVL 

6  When  thy  rebuke,  O  Jacob's  God, 

had  forth  againft  them  paft, 
Their  horfes  and  their  chariots  both 
were  in  a  dead  fleep  caft. 

7  Thou,  Lord,  ev'n  thou  art  he  that 

be  fear'd,  and  who  is  he    (fhould 
That  may  ftand  up  before  thy  fight, 
if  once  thou  angry  be  ? 

8  Fromheav'n  thou  judgment  caus'd  be 

the  earth  was  ftill  with  fear,  (heard, 

9  When  God  to  judgment  rofe,  to  fave 

all  meek  on  earth  that  were, 
i  o  Surely  the  very  wrath  of  man 
unto  thy  praife  redounds : 
Thou  to  the  remnant  of  his  wrath 
wilt  fet  reftraining  bounds. 

1 1  Vow  to  the  Lord  your  God,  and  pay, 

all  ye  that  near  him  be; 
Bring  gifts  and  prefents  unto  him, 
for  to  be  fear'd  is  he. 

1 2  .By  him  the  fp'rits  lhall  be  cut  off 

of  thofe  that  princes  are : 
Unto  the  kings  that  are  on  earth, 
he  fearful  doth  appear. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXXVII. 

according  to  the  method  of  many  other  pfalms, 
-  with  forrowful  complaints,  but  ends  with  comforta- 
ble encouraviea-icnts.     The    complaints  feem  to  be  of  per- 
fojr;l^ritvanccSj  but  ;'*e  encour^emtnU  relate  to  the  pub- 

tick 


PSALM    LXXVII.       197 

lick  concerns  of  the  church,  fo  tliat  it  is  not  certain,  whe- 
ther U  n  a  perfonalor  apuhlick  account:  if 
they  v  groaning  under,  it 
teacheth  u-,  t  God  has  wrought  for  his  church,  in 
general,  may  be  improted  for  the  comfort  of  particular  be- 
lievers; if  it  was  fome  pubiick  calamity  that  he  is  here  la- 
menting, his  fpeaking  of  it  fo  feelingly,  as  if  it  had  been 
fome    particular  trouble  of  his  own,  (hews  how  much  we 

.  lay  to  heart  the  intqrefts  of  the  church  of  God,  and 
make  them  our  own.  One  of  the  rabbins  faith,  this  pfalm 
is  fpoken  in  the  diaiecl  of  the  captives;  and  therefore  fome 

it  was  penned  in  the  captivity  in  Babylon.   (1.)  The 

pfalmift  complains    here  of  the  dect  ich  his 

troubles  made  upon  his  fpirits,  and  the  temptation  he  was 

in  to  defpair  of  relief,  vei\f.  I. — 10.   (z.)   He  encourageth 

.if  to  hope  that  it   wculd  be   well  a;  laft,  by   the  re- 

ranceof  God's  former  appearances  for  the  help  of  his 
people,  oi  which  he  gives  feveral  in  (lances,  yerf.  II.  to  20. 
In  ilnging  this  pfalm,  we  muft  take  (hame  to  curfelves  for  all 
s  of  God,  and  of  hisprovidence  and  promife, 
and  give  to  him  the  glory  of  his  power  and  goodhefs,  by  a 
thankful  commemoration  of  what  he  has  done  for  us  for- 
rly,  and  a  cheerful  dependence  on  him  for  the  future. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  to  Jeduthun,  A  pfalm  of  Afaph. 

UNTO  the  Lord  I  with  my  voice, 
I  unto  God  did  cry 
Ev'n  with  mv  voice,  and  unto  me 
his  ear  he  did  apply. 

2  I  in  my  trouble  fought  the  Lord; 

my  fore  by  night  did  run, 
And  ceafed  not:  my  grieved  foul 
did  confolation  fhun. 

3  I  to  remembrance  God  did  call, 

yet  trouble  did  remain; 
And  overwhelmed  my  fpirit  was, 
whilft  I  did  fore  complain. 

4  Mine 


198       PSALM    LXXVII. 

4Mine  eyes,  debarred  from  reft  and  fleep, 
thou  makeft  ftill  to  wake : 
My  trouble  is  fo  great,  that  I 
unable  am  to  fpeak. 

5  The  days  of  old  to  mind  I  calPd, 

and  oft  did  think  upon 
The  times  and  ages  that  are  paft 
full  many  years  agone. 

6  By  night  my  fong  I  call  to  mind, 

and  commune  with  mv  heart, 
My  fp'rit  did  carefully  inquire 
how  I  might  eafe  my  fmart. 
j  For  ever  will  the  Lord  caft  off* 
and  gracious  be  no  more  ? 

8  For  ever  is  his  mercy  gone? 

fails  his  word  evermore? 

9  Is't  true,  that  to  be  gracious 

the  Lord  forgotten  hath? 
And  that  his  tender  mercies  he 
hath  fhut  up  in  his  wrath? 
io  Then  did  I  fay,  That  furely  this 
is  mine  infirmity: 
I'll  mind  the  years  of  the  right  hand 
of  him  that  is  moft  high. 
1 1  Yea,  I  remember  will  the  works 
performed  by  the  Lord  : 
The  wonders  done  of  old  by  thee, 
I  furely  will  record, 

1 2  I  gjfo 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXYIL       199 

ill  alfo  will  of  all  thy  works 
my  meditation  mal 
And  of  thy  doings  to  difcourfc 
great  pleafure  1  will  take. 

13  O  God,  thy  way  mofl  holy  is 

within  thy  fanctuary: 
And  what  God  is  fo  great  in  pow'r, 
as  is  our  God  mod  high  ? 

14  Thou  art  the  God  that  wonders  doft 

by  thy  right  hand  mod  ftrong; 
Thy  mighty  pow'r  thou  haft  declared 
the  nations  among. 

15  To  thine  own  people  with  thine  arm 

thou  didft  redemption  bring; 
To  Jacob's  fons,  and  to  the  tribes 
of  Jofeph  that  do  fpring. 

16  The  waters,  Lord,  perceived  thee, 

the  waters  faw  thee  well ; 
And  they  for  fear  afide  did  fiec; 
the  depths  on  trembling  fell. 
ijTht  clouds  in  water  forth  were  pour'd5 
found  loudly  did  the  fky; 
And  fwiftly  through  the  world  abroad 
thine  arrows  fierce  did  fly. 
18  Thy  thunder's  voice  alongft  the  hea- 
a  mighty  noife  did  make  :       (v'n 
1    By  lightnings  lightned  was  the  world, 
th'  earth  tremble  did  and  fhake. 

19  Thy 


2oo       PSALM    LXXVTL 

19  Thy  way  is  in  the  fea,  and  in 

the  waters  great  thy  path ; 
Yet  are  thy  footfteps  hid,  O  Lord, 
none  knowledge  thereof  hath. 

20  Thy  people  thou  didft  fafely  lead 

like  to  a  flock  of  fheep, 
By  Mofes5  hand,  and  Aaron's,  thou 
didft  them  conduct  and  keep. 

PSALM    LXXVIII. 

This  pfalm  is  hiftorical ;  it  is  a  narrative  of  the  great  mercies 
God  had  bellowed  upon  Ifrael ;  the  great  fins  wherewith 
they  had  provoked  him,  and  the  many  tokens  of  his  dif- 
pleafure  they  had  been  under  for  their  fins.  The  pfalmift 
began,  in  the  foregoing  pfalm,  to  relate  God's  wonders  of 
old,  for  his  own  encouragement  in  a  diiv?-  ult  time  there 
he  broke  offobruptly,  but  here  refumes  the  fubject,  for  the 
edification  of  the  church,  and  enlargeth  much  upon  it, 
fhewing  not  only  how  good  God  had  been  to  them,  which 
■was  an  earned:  of  further  finifhing  mercy;  but  how  bafely 
they  had  carried  themfelves  to  God,  which  juftified  him  in 
correcting  them  as  he  did  at  this  time,  and  forbade  all  com- 
plaints. Here  is,  (1.)  The  preface  to  this  church-hiftory, 
commanding  the  attention  of  the  prefent  age  to  it,  and  re- 
commending it  to  the  ftudy  of  the  generations  to  come, 
verf.  1.— 8.  (2.)  The  hiflory  itfelf  from  Mofes  to  David; 
it  is  put  into  a  pfalm  or  fong,  that  it  might  be  the  better 
remembered,  and  tranfmitted  to  pofterily ;  and  that  the 
finging  of  it  might  affect  them,  with  the  things  here  rela- 
ted, more  than  they  would  be  with  a  bare  narrative  of  them. 
The  general  fcopeof  this  pfalm  we  have,  verf.  9.  10.  11.; 
where  notice  is  taken  of  the  prefent  rebukes  they  were  un- 
der, verf.  9.;  the  fin  which  brought  them  under  thofe  re- 
bukes, verf.  10. ;  and  the  mercies  of  God  to  them  formerly, 
which  aggravated  that  fin,  verf.  IX.  As  to  the  particular?, 
we  are  here  told,  I.  What  wonderful  works  God  had 
wrought  for  them,  in  bringing  them  out  of  Egypt,  verf.  12. 
16.;  providing  for  them  in  the  witdernefs,  verf.  23. — 29; 
plaguing  and  ruining  their  enemies,  verf.  43.  to  53.;  and 
at  length  putting  them  in  polTeMion  of  the  land  of  promife, 
verf.  54.  55.  2.  How  ungrateful  they  were  to  God  for  his 
favours  to  them,  and  how  many  and  great  provocations  they 

were 


PSALM    LXXVIII.     201 

were  guilty  of.  How  they  murmured  agajnft  God.  aj 
-  trufte  counterfeit 

ance  and  fubmjjtipn  when  hcpimilhed  them,  veil.  34  —  37-> 
thus  him,  veil*.  40.  41.  42.  ;  how 

they  affronted  God  with  their  idolatries  aftef  they  1 
to  Canaan,  How  God   ' 

nifhed  them  for  their  Gns,  verf   21.  22.  in  the  wib 
making  their  fin  their   punifnment,  verf.  29.   to  33.  ;   and 
now  of  late    when  the  ark  was  taken   by  the    Philiftines, 
verf  59. — 64.    4.  How  graciouilyGod  had  fpared  them,  and 
returned  in  mercy  to  them,   notwithflan  " 
tions.  He  had  forgiven  them  formerly,  verf.  38.  39;  And 
now  of  late  had  removed   the  judgments  they  had  brought 
upun  thcmfelves,  and  brought    them   under  a  happy  elta- 
bliibment   both  in  church  and    ftate.  verf.   65.  to  72.     As 
the  general  fcope  of  this  pfalm  may  be  of  uie  to  us   in    the 
fingingofit,  to  put  us  upon  rec  Heeling  what  God  has  done 
for  us,  and  for  his  church  formerly,  and  what  we  ha\  - 
Sgain ft  him  ;  fo  the  particulai  be  of  -ufe  to 

warning  againll  thole  fins  of  unbeii  titu.de,  which 

I  of  old  was   not   i 
which  was  prefer  ved  for  our  I 
ed  unto  them  for  enfamples,  '.  1  Cor.  x.   11.  Heb. 

ifchil  of  Afcph. 

ATTEND,  my  people,  to  my  law, 
thereto  give  thou  an  ear: 
The  words  that  from  my  mouth  proceed, 
attentively  do  hear. 

2  My  mouth  fhall  ipeak  a  parable, 

and  fayings  dark  of  old: 

3  The  fame  which  we  have  heard  and 

and  us  our  fathers  told,     (known, 

4  We  alio  will  them  not  conceal 

from  their  pofterity: 
Them  to  the  generation 
to  come  declare  will  we  : 

The 


202     PSALM    LXXVIII. 

The  praifes  of  the  Lord  our  God, 
and  his  almighty  ftrength, 
The  wondrous  w orks  that  he  hath  done, 
we  will  fhew  forth  at  length. 

5  His  teftimony  and  his  law 

in  Ifr'el  he  did  place, 
And  charg'd  our  fathers  it  to  fliow 
to  their  fucceeding  race. 

6  That  fo  the  race  which  was  to  come, 

might  well  them  learn  and  know; 
And  fons  unborn,  who  fhould  arife, 
might  to  their  fons  them  fhow. 

7  That  they  might  fet  their  hope  in  God, 

and  fuffer  not  to  fall 
His  mighty  works  out  of  their  mind, 
but  keep  his  precepts  all : 

8  And  might  not,  like  their  fathers,  be 

a  ftiff  rebellious  race, 
A  race  not  right  in  heart;  with  God 
whofe  fp'rit  not  ftedfafl  was. 

9  The  fons  of  Ephraim,wrho  nor  bows, 

nor  other  arms  did  lack, 

When  as  the  day  of  battle  was, 

they  faintly  turned  back. 

10  They  brake  God's  covenant,  and  re- 

in his  commands  to  go.        (fus'd 

1 1  His  wrorks  and  wonders  they  forgot, 

which  he  to  them  did  ihow. 

12  Things 


r  S  A  L  M    LXXVIII.      203 

I  2  Things  marvellous  he  brought  to 
their  lathers  them  beheld      (pafs ; 
Within  the  land  of  Egypt  done, 
yea,  ev'n  in  Zoan's  field. 

13  By  him  divided  was  the  fea, 

he  caus'd  them  through  to  pafs ; 
And  made  the  waters  fo  to  ftand 
as  like  an  heap  it  was. 

14  With  cloud  by  day,  with  light  of  fire 

all  night  he  did  them  guide. 

15  In  defert  rocks  he  clave,  and  drink 

as  from  great  depths  fupply'd. 
iGHefrom  the  rock  brought  ftreams5like 
made  waters  to  run  down,    (floods 

1 7  Yet  finning  more,  in  defert  they 

provok'd  the  higheft  One. 

1 8  For  in  their  heart  they  tempted  God, 

and,  fpeaking  with  iniftruft, 
They  greedily  did  meat  require 
to  fatisfy  their  luft. 

19  Againft  the  Lord  himfelf  they  fpake, 

and  murmuring  faid  thus, 
A  table  in  the  wildernefs 
can  God  prepare  for  us  ? 

20  Behold,  he  fmote  the  rock,  and  thence 

came  ftreams  and  waters  great; 
But  can  he  give  his  people  bread? 
and  fend  them  fiefh  to  eat  ? 

2  1  The 


204     PSALM    LXXVIIL 

2 1  The  Lord  did  hear,  and  waxed  wroth* 

fo  kindled  was  a  flame 
'Gainft  Jacob,  and  'gainft  Ifrael 
up  indignation  came. 

22  For  they  believ'd  not  God,  nor  truft 

in  his  falvation  had  :  (mand, 

23  Though  clouds  above  he  did  comm- 

and heav'ns  doors  open  made; 

24  And  manna  rain'd  on  them,  and  gave 

them  corn  of  heav'n  to  eat. 

25  Man  angels  food  did  eat,  to  them 

he  to  the  full  lent  meat. 

26  And  in  the  heaven  he  did  caufe 

an  eaftern  wind  to  blow; 

And  by  his  power  he  let  out 

the  fouthern  wind  to  go. 

27  Then  flelh  as  thick  as  dull  he  made 

to  rain  down  them  among ; 
And  feather'd  fowls,  like  as  thefand 
which  ly'th  the  fhore  along. 

28  At  his  command,  amidft  their  camp 

thele  fhow'rs  of  flelh  down  fell, 
All  round  about  the  tabernacles, 
and  tents  where  they  did  dwell. 

29  So  they  did  eat  abundantly, 

and  had  of  meat  their  fill ; 
For  he  did  give  to  them  what  was 
their  own  defire  and  will. 

30  They 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXVIII.      205 

«;oThey  from  their  lull  had  not  eflrang'd 

their  heart  and  their  defire; 
But  while  the  meat  was  in  thei  r  mouths, 
which  they  did  fo  require, 

3 1  God's  wrath  upon  them  came, and  flew 

the  fatteft  of  them  all ; 
So  that  the  choice  of  Ifrael, 
overthrown  by  death,  did  fall. 

32  Yet,  notwithftanding  of  all  this, 

they  finned  Hill  the  more : 
And,  though  he  had  great  wonders 
belie v  5d  him  not  therefore,  (wrought 

33  Wherefore  their  days  in  vanity 

he  did  confume  and  wafte; 
And  by  his  wrath  their  wretched  years 
away  in  trouble  pall. 
34.  But  when  he  flew  them,  then  they  did 
to  feek  him  Ihew  defire : 
Yea,  they  returned,  and  after  God 
right  early  did  inquire. 

35  And  that  the  Lord  had  been  their  rock 

they  did  remember  then ; 
Ev'n  that  the  high  almighty  God 
had  their  redeemer  been.       (him 

36  Yet  with  their  mouth  they  flatter'd 

and  fpake  but  feignedly; 
And  they  unto  the  God  of  truth 
with  their  falfe  tongues  did  lie. 

37  For 


2o6     PSALM    LXXVIIL 

3  j  For  though  their  words  were  good, 

with  him  was  not  fincere:  (their  heart 

Unftedfaft  and  perfidious 
they  in  his  covenant  were. 

38  But  full  of  pity,  he  forgave 

their  fin,  them  did  not  flay: 
Nor  ftirr'd  up  all  his  wrath,  but  oft 
his  anger  turn'd  away. 

39  For  that  they  were  but  fading  flefh 

to  mind  he  did  recal, 
A  wind  that  pafleth  foon  away, 
and  not  returns  at  all. 

40  How  often  did  they  him  provoke 

within  the  wildernefs ; 
And  in  the  defert  did  him  grieve 
with  their  rebellioufnefs  ? 

4 1  Yea,  turning  back,  they  temptedGod, 

and  limits  fet  upon 
Him,  who    in    midft   of  Ifr'el  is 
the  only  holy  One. 

42  They  did  not  call  to  mind  his  pow'r, 

nor  yet  the  day  when  he 
Delivered  them  out  of  the  hand 
of  their  fierce  enemy. 

43  Nor  how  great  figns  in  Egypt  land 

he  openly  had  wrought, 
What  miracles  in  Zoan's  field 
his  hand  to  pals  had  brought 

44  How 


PSALM    LX  .      2c7 

44  HOW  Likes  and  rivers  ev'ry  where 

he  turned  into  blood; 
So  that  no  man  nor  bead  could  drink 

of  Handing  lake  or  flood. 
4j  He  brought  among  them  fwarms  of 

which  did  them  fore  annoy;  (flies, 
And  divers  kinds  of  filthy  frogs 

he  fent  them  to  deftroy. 
46  He  to  the  caterpiller  gave 

the  fruits  of  all  their  foil; 
Their  labours  he  delivered  up 

unto  the  locufts  fpoil. 
4^-Their  vines  with  hail,  their  fycamoreb 

he  with  the  froft  did  blaft. 

48  Their  beads  to  hail  he  gave,  their 

hot  thunder-bolts  did  wafte.  (flocks 

49  Fierce  burning  wrath  he  on  them  caft, 

and  indignation  ftrong, 
And  troubles  fore,  by  fending  forth 
ill  angels  them  among. 

50  He  to  his  wrath  made  way,  their  foul 

from  death  he  did  not  fave; 
But  over  to  the  peftilence 
the  lives  of  them  he  gave. 

51  In  Egypt  land  the  firft-born  all 

he  Imote  down  ev'ry  where; 
Amongft  the  tents  of  Ham,  ev'n  thofe 
chief  of  their  ftrength  that  were. 

52  But 


2o8     P  S  A  L  M    LXXVIIL 

52  But  his  own  people  like  to  fheep 
thence  to  go  forth  he  made; 
And  he  amidft  the  wildernefs 
them  as  a  flock  did  lead. 
$3  And  he  them  fafely  on  did  lead, 
fo  that  they  did  not  fear : 
Whereas  their  en'mies  by  the  fea 
quite  overwhelmed  wdrei 

54  To  borders  of  his  fan&uary 

the  Lord  his  people  led, 
Ev'n  to  the  mount,  which  his  right  hand 
for  them  had  purchafed. 

55  The  nations  of  Canaan 

by  his  almighty  hand 
Before  their  face  he  did  expel 

out  of  their  native  land, 
Which  for  inheritance  to  them 

by  line  he  did  divide, 
And  made  the  tribes  of  Ifrael 

within  their  tents  abide. 

56  Yet  God  moft  high  they  did  provoke, 

and  tempted  ever  ftill, 
And  to  obferve  his  teftimonies 
did  not  incline  their  will. 

57  But  like  their  fathers  turned  back, 

and  dealt  unfaithfully : 
Aiide  they  turned,  like  a  bow 
that  (hoots  deceitfully. 

58  For 


PSALM    LXXVIIL      209 

58  For  they  to  anger  did  provoke 
him  with  their  places  high; 
And  with  their  graven  images 
mov'd  him  to  jealoufy. 

59\VhenGod  heard  this,he  waxed  wroth 
and  much  loth'd  Ifr'el  then: 

60  So  Shiloh's  tent  he  left,  the  tent 

which  he  had  plac'd  with  men : 

61  And  he  his  ftrength  delivered 

into  captivity, 
He  left  his  glory  in  the  hand 
of  his  proud  enemy, 

62  His  people  alfo  he  gave  o'er 

unto  the  fwTord's  fierce  rage : 
So  fore  his  wrath  inflamed  was 
againft  his  heritage.  (men: 

63  The  fire  confum'd  their  choice  young 
their  maids  no  marriage  had.  (fword, 

64  And  when  their  priefts  fell  by  the 

their  wives  no  mourning  made. 

65  But  then  the  Lord  arofe,  as  one 

that  doth  from  fleep  awake; 
And  like  a  giant  that  by  wine 
refrefh'd,  a  fhout  doth  make. 

66  Upon  his  en'mies  hinder  parts 

he  made  his  itroke  to  fall; 
And  fo  upon  them  he  did  put 
a  fhame  perpetual. 

O  67  More* 


2io     PSALM    LXXVIIL 

67  Moreover,  he  the  tabernacle 

of  Jofeph  did  refufe : 
The  mighty  tribe  of  Ephraim 
he  would  in  no  wife  chufe. 

68  But  he  did  chufe  Jehudah's  tribe 

to  be  the  reft  above; 
And  of  mount  Sion  he  made  choice* 
which  he  fo  much  did  love. 

69  And  he  his  fanduary  built, 

like  to  a  palace  high, 
Like  to  the  earth,  which  he  did  found 
to  perpetuity. 

70  Of  David,  that  his  fervant  was, 

he  alfo  choice  did  make; 
And  even  from  the  folds  of  fheep 
was  pleafed  him  to  take. 

71  From  waiting  on  the  ewes  with  young 

he  brought  him  forth  to  feed 
Ifrael  his  inheritance, 

his  people  Jacob's  feed. 
j  2  So  after  the  integrity 

he  of  his  heart  them  fed; 
And  by  the  good  fkill  of  his  hands 

them  wifely  governed. 

PSALM    LXXIX, 

This  pfalm,  if  penned  with  any  particular  event  in  view,  is 
with  mo(t  probability  made  to  refer  the  deftruction  of  Jeru- 
salem and  the  temple,  nnd  the  woful  l.avock  made  of  the 
Jewifh  nation  by  the  Chaldean;  undci  Nebuchadnezzar.     It 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXXI.         2 1 1 

is  fet  to  the  fame  tunc,  as  !  may  fey  J  with  the  lamentations 
ci  Jeremiah,  and  that  weeping  prophet  borrows  two  verfes 
out  of  it,  verf.  6.  7.  and  makes  ufe  of  them  in  his  pray- 
er, Jer.  x.  IS  Some  think  it  was  penned  long  before  by 
thefpirit  of  prophefy,  prepared  for  the  ufe  of  the  church, 
in  that  cloudy  and  cLrk.  day  :  others,  that  it  was  penned 
then  by  the  lpirit  of  prayer,  either  by  a  prophet  named 
Afaph,  or  fome other  prophet  for  the  Tons  of  Afaph.  What- 
ever the  particular  occafion  was,  we  have  here,  (1.)  A  re- 
presentation of  the  very  deplorable  condition  that  the  peo- 
ple of  God  were  in  at  this  time,  verf.  1. — 5.  (2.}  A  pe- 
tition to  God  for  fuceour  and  relief ;  that  their  enemies 
pnigHt&C  reckoned  with,  verf.  6.  7.  10.  iz.;  that  their 
fins  might  he  pardoned,  verf.  8.  9.:  and  that  they  miaht 
be  delivered,  verf.  11.  :.)  A  plea  taken  from  the  readi- 
nefs  of  his  people  to  praiie  him.  vcri.  13.  In  times  of  the 
church's  peace  and  profperity,  this  pfalm  may,  in  the  ling- 
givc  us  ocealion  to  hlels  G.d.  that  we  are  not 
thus  trampled  on  and  infulted;  but  it  is  efpecially  ieaion- 
able  in  a  day  of  treading  down  a">d  perplexity,  for  the  ex- 
g  of  our  defires  towarus  God,  and  the  encouragement 
of  our  faith  in  him  as  the  church's  patron. 

A  pfalm  of  Afaph. 

OGod,  the  heathen  enter'd  have 
thine  heritage,  by  them 
Defiled  is  thy  houfe :  on  heaps 
they  laid  Jerufalem. 

2  The  bodies  of  thy  fervants  they 

have  caft  forth  to  be  meat 
To  ray 'nous  fowls,  thy  dear  faints  flefh 
they  gave  to  hearts  to  eat. 

3  Their  blood  about  Jerufalem 

like  water  they  have  ihed : 
And  there  was  none  to  bury  them, 
when  they  were  flam  and  dead. 

4  Unto  our  neighbours  a  reproach 

moft  bale  become  are  we : 

O  2  A  fcorn 


212        PSALM    LXXDt 

A  fcorn  and  laughing-ftock  to  them 
that  round  about  us  be. 

5  How  long,  Lord,  fhall  thine  angerlaft? 

wilt  thou  ftill  keep  the  fame? 
And  fhall  thy  fervent  jealoufy 
burn  like  unto  a  flame  ? 

6  On  heathens  pour  thy  fury  forth, 

that  have  thee  never  known, 
And  on  thofe  kingdoms  which  thy  name 
have  never  call'd  upon. 

7  For  thefe  are  they  who  Jacob  have 

devoured  cruelly, 
And  they  his  habitation 
have  caufed  wafte  to  lie. 

8  Againft  us  mind  not  former  fins : 

thy  tender  mercies  fhow, 
Let  them  prevent  us  fpeedily; 
for  we're  brought  very  low. 

9  For  thy  name's  glory,  help  us,  Lord* 

who  haft  our  Saviour  been : 
Deliver  us,  for  thy  name's  fake 

O  purge  away  our  fin. 
io  Why  fay  the  heathen,  Where's  their 

let  him  to  them  be  known,    (God  ? 
When  thofe  who  fhed  thy  fervants  blood 

are  in  our  fight  o'erthrown. 
ii  O  let  the  pris'ners  fighs  afcend 

before  thy  fight  on  high: 

Preiervc 


PSALM    LXXX.         213 

Preferve  thofe  in  thy  mighty  powV, 
that  are  defign'd  to  die, 

12  And  to  our  neighbour's  bofom  caufc 

it  fev'nfold  render'd  be, 
Ev'n  the  reproach  wherewith  they  have, 
O  Lord,  reproached  thee. 

13  So  we  thy  folk,  and  pafture-fheep, 

fhall  give  thee  thanks  always : 
And  unto  generations  all 
we  will  fhew  forth  thy  praife. 

PSALM     LXXX, 

This  pfalm  is  much  to  the  fame  purpofe  with  the  next  fore- 
going; feme  think  it  was  penned  npbn  occafion'of  the  de- 
viation and  captivity  of  the  ten  tribes,  as  the  foregoing 
pfalm  of  the  two.  But  many  were  the  dillrefles  of  the  If- 
rael  of  God,  many  perhaps  which  are  not  recorded  in  the 
iacred  hiftory,  fome  whereof  might  give  occafion  for  the 
drawing  up  this  pfalm,  which,  is  proper  to  be  fung  in  the 
day  of  Jacob's  trouble;  and  if,  in  tinging  of  it,  we  exprefs 
a  true  love  to  the  church,  and  a  hearty  concern  for  its  in- 
tereft,  -with  a  firm  confidence  in  God's  power  to  help  it  out 
of  its  greateft  diltreffes,  we  make  melody  with  our  hearts  to 
the  Lord.  The  pfalmift  her.,  (1.)  Begs  for  the  tokens  of 
God's  prefence  with  them,  and  favour  to  them,  verf.  I.  2,'_ 
3.  (a.)  He  complains  of  the  prefent  rebukes  they  were 
under,  verf.  4.-7.  (3.)  He  illuftrates  the  prefent  def- 
lations of  the  church,  by  the  comparifon  of  a  vine  and  a 
vineyard  which  had  flourifned,  hui  was  now  deftroy °d,  vcri. 
8. — 16.  (4.)  He  concludes  with  prayer  to  God  for  the  pre- 
paring of  mercy,  verf.  17.  18.  19.  This,  as  manv  pfdsvs 
oefore  and  after,  relate  to  the  pubiick  intere'fts  of  God's  lf- 
rael,  which  ought  to  lie  nearer  to  our  hearts,  than  any  fe- 
cular  intereft  of  our  own. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  upon  Shofhannim  Eduth,  A  pfalm  of 
Afaph. 

EAR,  Ifr'els  fhepherd,  like  a  flock 
thou  that  doft  Jofeph  guide ; 

Shine 


H 


214        PSALM    LXXX. 

Shine  forth,  0  thou  that  doft  between 
the  cherubims  abide. 

2  In  Ephraim's  and  Benjamin's, 

and  in  Manafleh's  light, 
O  come  for  our  falvation, 

ftir  up  thy  ftrength  and  might. 

3  Turn  us  again,  O  Lord  our  God, 

and  upon  us  vouchiafe 
To  make  thy  countenance  to  fhine, 
and  fo  we  fliall  be  fafe. 

4  O  Lord  of  hofts,  almighty  God, 

how  long  fhall  kindled  be 
Thy  wrath  againft  the  prayer  made 
by  thine  own  folk  to  thee? 

5  Thou  tears  of  forrow  giv'ft  to  them, 

inftead  of  bread,  to  eat: 
Yea,  tears  inftead  of  drink  thou  giv'fl 
to  them  in  meafure  great. 

6  Thou  makeft  us  a  ftrife  unto 

our  neighbours  round  about: 
Our  enemies  among  themfelves 
at  us  do  laugh  and  flout. 
y  Turn  us  again,  O  God  of  hofts, 
and  upon  us  vouchfafe 
To  make  thy  countenance  to  fhine, 
and  fo  we  fliall  be  fafe. 
8  A  vine  from  Egypt  brought  thou  haft, 
by  thine  out-ftretched  hand : 

And 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXX.        215 

And  thou  the  heathen  out  didft  caft, 
to  plant  It  in  their  land. 

9  Before  it  thou  a  room  didft  make, 

where  it  might  grow  and  (land; 
Thou  caufedft  it  deep  root  to  take, 
and  it  did  fill  the  land, 

10  The  mountains  vail'd  were  with  its 

as  with  a  covering;  (fhacle, 

Like  goodly  cedars  were  the  boughs 
which  out  from  it  did  fpring. 

1 1  Upon  the  one  hand,  to  the  fea 

her  boughs  fhe  did  out  fend; 
On  th'  other  fide,  unto  the  flood 
her  branches  did  extend. 

12  Why  haft  thou  then  thus  broken  down 

and  ta'en  her  hedge  away, 
So  that  all  paflengers  do  pluck, 
and  make  of  her  a  prey  ? 

13  The  boar  who  from  the  foreft  comes, 

doth  wafte  it  at  his  pleafure; 
The  wild  beaft  of  the  field  alio 
devours  it  out  of  meafure. 

14  O  God  of  hofts,  we  thee  befeech, 

return  now  unto  thine : 
Look  down  from  heav'n  in  love,  behold 
and  vifit  this  thy  vine; 

1 5  This  vineyard  which  thine  own  right 

hath  planted  us  among,        (hand 

And 


216        PSALM    LXXX. 

And  that  fame  branch,  which  for  thy  felf, 
thou  haft  made  to  be  ftrong. 

1 6  Burnt  up  it  is  with  flaming  fire, 

it  alfo  is  cut  down : 
They  utterly  are  perifhed 
when  as  thy  face  doth  frown. 

1 7  O  let  thy  hand  be  Hill  upon 

the  man  of  thy  right  hand, 
The  Son  of  man,  whom  for  thyfelf 
thou  madeft  ftrong  to  ftand. 

1 8  So  henceforth  we  will  not  go  back, 

nor  turn  from  thee  at  all : 
O  do  thou  quicken  us,  and  we 
upon  thy  name  will  call. 

19  Turn  us  again,  Lord  God  of  hofts, 

and  upon  us  vouchfafe 
To  make  thy  countenance  to  fhine, 
and  fo  we  fhall  be  fafe. 


PSALM    LXXXI. 


This  pfalm  was  penned,  as  is  fuppofed,  not  upon  oceafion  of 
any  particular  providence,  but  for  the  folemnity  of  a  parti- 
cular ordinance,  either  that  of  the  new  moon  iu  general, 
or  that  of  the  feaft  of  trumpets,  on  the  new  moon  of  the  7th 
month,  Lev.  xxiii.  24.  Numb.  xxix.  I.  When  David  by 
the  ipirit,  introduced  the  finging  of  pfalms  into  the  temple 
fervice,  this  pfalm  was  intended  for  that  day,  to  excite  and 
aflifl:  the  proper  devotions  of  it.  All  the  pfalms  are  profi- 
table; but  if  one  pfalm  be  more  fuitable  than  another  to  the 
day,  and  the  oblervances  of  it,  we  Qjould  chocfe  that.  The 
two  great  intentions  of  our  religious  aflemblies,  and  which 
we  ought  to  have  in  our  eye,  in  our  attendance  on  them, 
are  aniwered  in  this  pfalm,  which  are  to  give  glory  to  God, 
and  to  receive  instruction  from  God;  to  behold  the  beauty 
of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  his  temple ;  accordingly,  by 

this 


PSALM    LXXXI.         217 

this  pfalm,  we  arc  aflirted,  on  ourfolemn  feaft  days,  (1.) 
In  praiiing  God,  for  what  he  is  to  his  people,  verf.  1.  %.  3.; 
and  has  done  for  them,  verf.  4. — 7.  (a.)  In  teaching  and 
admoni(hing  one  another,  concerning  the  obligations  we  lie 
under  to  God,  verf.  8.  9.  10.  ;  the  danger  of  revolting 
from  him,  verf.  II.  12.  ;  and  the  happinefs  wc  ihould  have, 
ifwe  would  but  keep  clofe  to  him,  verf.  13.— 16.  This  though 
ipeaking  primarily  of  Ifrael  of  old,  is  written  for  our  learn- 
ing, and  is  therefore  to  be  fung  with  application. 

To  the  chief  mufician  upon   Gittith,  A  pfalm  of  Afaph. 

SING  loud  to  God  our  ftrength :  with 
to  Jacob's  God  do  ling.         (joy 

2  Take  up  a  pfalm,  the  pleafant  harp, 

timbrel  and  pfalt'ry  bring. 

3  Blow  trumpets  at  new-moon,  what  day 

our  feaft  appointed  is. 

4  For  charge  to  Ifr'el  and  a  law 

of  Jacob's  God  was  this. 

5  To  Jofeph  this  a  teftimony 

he  made,  when  Egypt  land, 
He  traveled  through,  where  ipeech  I 
I  did  not  underftand.  (heard 

6  His  fhoulder  I  from  burdens  took, 

his  hands  from  pots  did  free. 
j  Thou  didft  in  trouble  on  me  call, 
and  I  delivered  thee; 
In  fecret  place  of  thundering 

I  did  thee  anfwer  make ; 

And  at  the  ftreams  of  Meribah 

of  thee  a  proof  did  take, 

8  O  thou 


2i8        PSALM   LXXXL 

3  O  thou  my  people,  give  an  ear, 
I'll  teftifv  to  thee: 
To  thee,  O  Ifr'el,  if  thou  wilt 
but  hearken  unto  me. 

9  In  midft  of  thee  there  fhall  not  be 

any  firange  god  at  all : 
Nor  unto  any  god  unknown 
thou  bowing  down  (halt  fall. 

10  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  did 

from  Egypt  land  thee  guide : 
I'll  fill  thy  mouth  abundantly, 
do  thou  it  open  wide. 

1 1  But  yet  my  people  to  my  voice 

would  not  attentive  be; 
And  ev'n  my  chofen  Ifrael 
he  would  have  none  of  me. 

12  So  to  the  luft  of  their  own  hearts 

I  them  delivered : 
And  then  in  counfels  of  their  own 
they  vainly  wandered. 

13  O  that  my  people  had  me  heard, 

Ifr'el  my  ways  had  chofe! 

14  I  had  their  en'mies  foon  fubdu'd, 

my  hand  turn'd  on  their  foes. 

15  The  haters  of  the  Lord,  to  him 

iubmiffion  fhould  have  feign'd : 
Eut  as  for  them,  their  time  fhould  have 
for  evermore  remained. 

16  He 


PSALM   LXXXII.        219 

16  He  fhould  have  alio  fed  thein  with 
the  finett  of  the  wheat: 
Of  honey  from  the  rock,  thy  fill 
I  fhould  have  made  thee  eat. 

PSALM    LXXXIL 

This  pfalm  is  calculated  for  the  meridian  of  princes,  courts, 
and  courts  of  jnltice,  not  in  Ifracl  only,  but  in  other  ca- 
tions, yet  it  was  probably  penned  primal iiy  for  the  sft of 
the  magiftrates  of  Ifracl,  the  great  Sanhedrim,  and  others 
their  elders  that  were  in  places  of  power,  and,  perhaps,  by 
^David's  direction.  This  pfalm  is  defigned  to  make  kings 
wife,  and  !  to  inftrod  the  judges  of  tiie  earth, '  as  PfaJ.  ii- 
IO.;  to  tell  them  their  duty,  as-2  Sam.  xxii.  3..;  and  tell 
them  of  their  faults,  as  Pfal.  Iviii.  I.  We  hztt  here,  (1.) 
The  dignity  of  magistracy,  and  its  dependence  upon  God, 
verf.  I.  (z.)  The  duty  of  magistrates,  verf.  3.  4.  (5. 
degeneracy  of  bad  magiftrates,  and  the  mifchief  the/  do, 
verf.  2.  5.  (4)  Their  doom  read,  verf.  6.  7.  (5.)  The  de- 
fire  and  prayer  of  ail  good  people,  that  the  kingdom  of 
God  may  be  fet  up  mere  and  more,  verf.  8.  Though  ma- 
gittrates  may  moft  clofcly  apply  this  pfalm  to  themfelves, 
yet  we  may  any  of  us  fing  it  with  underdanding,  when  wc 
glory  to  God,  in  fingingof  it,  as  prtfiding  in  all  pnb- 
lick  affairs,  providing  for  the  protection  of  injured  innocen- 
cy,  and  ready  to  punilh  the  moft  powerful  injuftice,  and 
which  we  comfort  ourfelves  with  the  belief  of  his  prefent 
goverument,  and  with  the  hopes  of  his  future  judgment. 

A  pfalm  of  Afaph. 

IN  gods  aflembly  God  doth  (land : 
he  judgeth  gods  among. 

2  How  long,  accepting  perfons  vile, 

will  ye  give  judgment  wrong? 

3  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherlefs: 

to  poor  opprefs'd  do  right. 

4  The  poor  and  needy  ones  fet  free : 

rid  them  from  ill  mens  might. 

They 


22o      PSALM    LXXXII. 

5  They  know  not,  nor  will  underftand; 

in  darkncfs  they  walk  on : 
All  the  foundations  of  the  earth 
out  of  their  courfe  are  gone. 

6  I  faid  that  you  are  gods,  and  arc 

fons  of  the  Higheft  all : 

7  But  ye  fhall  die  like  men,  and  as 

one'  of  the  princes  fall. 
3  O  God,  do  thou  raife  up  thyfelf, 
the  earth  to  judgment  call: 
For  thou,  as  thine  inheritance, 
fhalt  take  the  nations  all. 

PSALM     LXXXIII. 

This  pfalm  is  the  lafl  of  thofe  that  go  under  the  name  of  A« 
faph  ;  it  is  penned,  as  mod  of  thofe,  upo»  a  public  account, 
with  reference  to  the  infults  of  the  chnrch's  enemies,  that 
fought  its  ruin  ;  fome  think  it  was  penned  upon  occafion 
of  the  threatning  defcent  which  was  made  upon  the  land 
of  Judah  in  Jehofhaphat's  time,  by  the  Moabites  and  A- 
jnonites,  thcfe  children  of  Lot  here  fpoken,  of  verf.  8.  who 
were  at  the  head  of  the  alliance  and  to  whom  all  the  other 
ftates  are  here  mentioned,  were  auxiliaries:  we  have  the 
ftory,  2  Chron.  xx.  I.  where  it  is  laid,  the  children  of  Mo- 
ah  and  Ammon  and  others  hehMes  them,  invaded  the  land. 
Others  think,  it  was  penned  with  reference  to  all  the  con- 
federacies of  the  neighbour-nations  againft  Ifrael,  from  firfl 
to  laft.  The  pialmilt  here  makes  an  appeal  and  application, 
(i.)  To  God's  knowledge,  by  a  remonitrance  of  their  de- 
figns  and  endeavours  to  deftroy  Ifrael,  verf.  I. — 8.  (2.)  To 
God's  jufrice  and  jealoufy,  both  for  his  church,  and  fur  his 
own  -honour,  by  an  earned  prayer  for  the  defeat  of  their  at- 
tempt, that  the  church  might  be  preferved,  the  enemies 
humbled  and  God  glorified,  verf.  9 — 18.  This,  in  the  fing- 
ing  of  it,  we  may  apply  to  the  enemies  of  the  gofpcl  churcii, 
all  Antichriftian  powas  and  factions,  reprefenting  to  God 
their  confederacies  againft  Chrift  and  his  kingdom,  and  re- 
joicing in  hopes  that  all  their  projects  will  be  baffled,  and  the 
gates  of  hell  ihall  not  prevail  againft  the  church. 

A  fonsr 


PSALM    LXXXIII.     221 

A  fong  or  pfalm  of  Alaph. 

KEEP  not,  O  God,  we  thee  intreat, 
O  keep  not  filence  now: 
Do  thou  not  hold  thy  peace,  O  God, 
and  ftill  no  -more  be  thou. 

2  For  lo,  thine  enemies  a  noife, 

tumultuoufly  have  made: 
And  they  that  haters  are  of  thee, 
have  lifted  up  the  head, 

3  Againft  thy  chofen  people  they 

do  crafty  counlel  take, 
And  they  againft  thy  hidden  ones 
do  confultations  make. 

4  Come,  let  us  cut  them  off,  faid  they* 

from  being  a  nation; 
That  of  the  name  of  Ifr'el  may 
no  more  be  mention. 

5  For  with  joint  heart  they  plot;  in  league 

againft  thee  they  combine, 

6  The  tents  of  Edom,  Ifhma'lites, 

Moab's,  and  Hagar's  line. 
y  Gebal,  and  Ammon,  Amalek, 
Philiftines,  thofe  of  Tyre; 

8  And  Affur  join'd  with  them:  to  help 

Lot's  children  they  confpirc. 

9  Do  to  them,  as  to  Midian, 

Jabin  at  Kifon  ftrand; 

io  And 


222    psalm  Lxxxnr. 

10  And  Sis'ra,  which  at  Endor  fell> 

as  dung  to  fat  the  land. 

1 1  Like  Oreb,  and  like  Zeeb  make 

their  noble  men  to  fall: 
Like  Zeba,  and  Zalmunna-like, 
make  thou  ther  princes  all : 

12  Who  fald,  For  our  poffeffion 

let  us  God's  houfes  take. 

13  My  God,  them  like  a  wheel,  as  chaff' 

before  the  wind,  them  make. 

14  As  fire  confumes  the  wood,  as  flame 

doth  mountains  fet  on  fire; 
ijChafe  and  affright  them  with  the  ftorm 

and  tempeft  of  thine  ire. 
16  Their  faces  fill  with  fhame,  O  Lord, 

that  they  may  feek  thy  name. 
1  j  Let  them  confounded  be5and  vex'd, 

and  perifh  in  their  fhame: 
1 8  That  men  may  know,  that  thou  to 

alone  doth  appertain  (whom 

The  name  Jehovah,  doft  moft  high 

o'er  all  the  earth  remain. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXXXIV. 

Though  David's  name  he  not  in  the  title  of  thispfalm,  yet 
ue  have  reafon  to  think  he  was  the  penman  of  it,  becaufe 
it  breathes  fo  rr.uch  of  his  excellent  ipirit,  and  is  fo  like  to 
the  f;x;y-ti..:«i  p;aim,  which  \*.as  penned  by  him  ;  it  is  iup- 
.  that  Davie!  penned  this  p'alm,  when  he  was  forced 
In-  Abfalonvs  rebellion  to  quit  his  city,  which  he  lamented 
il  fence  from,  not  fo  much  becaufe  it  was  the  royal  city, 
as  becaufe  it  was  the  holy  city  ;  witnefs  this  pialm,  which, 

contains 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXXIV.     223 

>  of  a  gracious  foil!  afcer  God 
and  ci 

it  ma]  n  or  long  for  the^abbath- 

lies.     The  piaimi 
devotion  cxpreffeth  bis  i'o    the 

f  God  ;  his  faluc  for  them,   verf.  1. ;   dcfire  to- 
on vidion   of  t:ie  . 

;    and  his    : 
his  own  happinefs  To  very  much  in  the  c 

T 
conviction  of  the  happinefs  of  thofcthat  nut  thei 
: 
ievoot   affections   working  towards  David 

had,  and  then  the  fin.-:. 

To    the  chief  mv  ::th,    A  pialm  for   the 

[  >rah. 

HOW  lovely  is  thy  dwelling-place, 
O  Lord  of  holts,  to  me  ! 
The  tabernacles  of  thy  gr; 

how  pleaiant,  Lord,  they  be! 

2  My  thinly  foul  longs  veh'meAtly, 

yea,  faints  thy  courts  to  fee : 
My  very  heart  and  flefh  cry  out, 
O  living  God,  for  thee. 

3  Behold,  the  iparrow  findeth  out 

an  houie  wherein  to  reft; 
The  (wallow  alio  for  herfelf 

hath  purchaled  a  flfeft, 
Ev'n  thine  own  altars,  where  (he  fafc 

her  young  ones  forth  may  bring; 
O  thou  Almighty,  Lord  of  hofts, 

who  art  my  God  and  King. 

4  LMeiVd 


224    PSALM    LXXXIV. 

4  BlefsM  are  they  in  thy  houfe  that  dwell, 

they  ever  give  thee  pfaife. 

5  Blefs'd  is  the  man  whofe  ftrength  thou 

in  whofe  heart  are  thy  ways.^     (art, 

6  Who  paffing  thorough  Bacca's  vale, 

therein  do  dig  up  wells; 

Alfo  the  rain  that  falleth  down 

the  pools  w?th  water  fills. 

7  So  they  from  ftrength  unweary'd  go 

ftill  forward  unto  ftrength, 
Until  in  Zion  they  appear 
before  the  Lord  at  length. 

8  Lord  God  of  hofts,  my  prayer  hear : 

O  Jacob's  God,  give  ear. 

9  See,  God  our  fhield,  look  on  the  face 

of  thine  anointed  dear, 
io  For  in  thy  courts  one  day  excels 
a  thoufand :  rather  in    ; 
My  God's  houfe  will  I  keep  a  door, 
than  dwell  in  tents  of  fin. 

1 1  For  God  the  Lord's  a  fun  and  fhield : 

he'll  grace  and  glory  give: 
And  will  with-hold  no  good  from  them 
that  uprightly  do  live. 

1 2  O  thou  that  art  the  Lord  of  hofts, 

that  man  is  truly  bleft, 

Who  by  aflured  confidence 

on  thee  alone  doth  reft. 

PSALM 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXXV..     225 

interpreters  are  generally  of  opinion,  that  this  pfalm  was  pen- 
ned after  the   return  of  the  Jews  out  of  their   capt'n 
Babylon,   when    truy  f.iii  remained   under  forre   tokens  of 
God's  difpleai'ure,  which  they  here  pray  fcr  A  of. 

And  nothing  appears  to  the  contrary,  but  that  it,  might 
be  penned  then,  as  well  as  Pfal.  exxxvii.  They  are  the 
publick  wterefts  that  lie  near  the  pir.lmift's  heart,  here, 
and  the  pfalm  is  penned  for  the  great  congregation.  The 
church  was  herein  a  deluge,  above  were  t  w  were 

waves,  every  thing  was  dark  and  difmal ;  the  church  is  like 
Noah  in  the  ark,  -  and  death,  between   hope,  and 

fear;  being  lb,  fl."  Hereisthedovefent  forth  in  prayer.  The 
petitions  are,  againftlin  and  wrath,  verf.  4.;  and  for  mer- 
cy and  grace,  verf.  7.  :  the  pleas  are  taken  from  former  fav- 
ours, verf.  1.  2.  3.;  and  prefent  diflrefles,  vcrl!  5.  6.  (2.)  " 
Here  is  the  dove  returning  with  an  olive  branch  iqf  peace 
and  good  tidings:  the  pfalm  if  I:  cxpeclsher  return,  verf.  8.; 
and  then  recounts  the  favours  to  God's  Ifrael,  which  by  the 
fpirit  of  prophefy  he  g4ve  ailurance  of  to  others,  and  by  the 
fpirit  of  faith  he  took  the  ailurance  of  to  himfelf,  verf.  9.— 
Ij.  In  Gnging  this  pfalm,  we  may  he  afUfted  in  our  prayers 
to  God,  both  for  his  church  in  general,  and  for  the  land  of 
our  nativity  in  panicuiar.  The  former  part  wiJ!  be  cf  ufc 
to  direct  our  defives;  the  latter  to  encouraee  our  faith  and 
bepe  in  thofe  prayers. 

To  the  chief  muficiajn,  A  pfalm  for  the  tons  of  ICcrah. 

OLord,  thou  haft  been  favourable 
to  thy  beloved  land: 
Jacob's  captivity  thou  haft 
recall'd  with  mighty  hand. 
2  Thou  pardoned  thy  people  haft 
all  their  iniquities, 
Thou  all  their  trefpaffes  and  fins 
haft  cover'd  from  thine  eyes. 
3TI10U  took'ft  oft  all  thine  ire,  &  turn'dft 

from  thy  wrath's  furioufnefs. 

4  Turn  us,  God  of  our  health,  and  caufe 

thy  wrath  'gainft  us  to  ceafe. 

P  c  Shall 


226      PSALM    LXXXV. 

5  Shall  thy  difpleafure  thus  endure 

againft  us  without  end  ? 
Wilt  thou  to  generations  all 
thine  anger  forth  extend? 

6  That  in  thee  may  thy  people  joy, 

wilt  thou  not  us  revive? 

7  Shew  us  thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  us 

do  thy  falvation  give. 

8  I'll  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  fpeak: 

to  his  folk  he'll  fpeak  peace, 
And  to  his  faints :  but  let  them  not 
return  to  foolifhnefs, 

9  To  them  that  fear  him,  furely  near 

is  his  falvation; 
That  glory  in  Our  land  may  have 
her  habitation. 
i  o  Truth  met  with  mercy,  righteoufnefs 
and  peace  kifs'd  mutually,  (oufnefs 

1 1  Truth  fprings  from  earth,  and  righte- 

looks  down  from  heaven  high. 

1 2  Yea,  what  is  good  the  Lord  fhall  give : 

our  land  fhall  yield  increafe. 

13  Juftice,  to  fet  us  in  his  fteps, 

fhall  go  before  his  face. 

PSALM    LXXXVI. 

This  pfalm  is  entitled  a  prayer  of  David  ;  probably  it  was  not 
penned,   upon  any  particular  oceafion,   but  was  a  prayer  he 
often  ufed  himfelf,  and  recommended  to  others   fov  their 
ufe,  especially  in  a  day  of  affliction.    Rlany  think  that  Da- 
vid 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXXVL     227 

vid  penned  this  prayer  as  a  type  of  Chrift,  '  who,  in  th4 
*  days  of  his  flel"h,  offered  up  (Irons  cries,'  Hch.  v.  7.  Da- 
vid in  this  prayer,  (according  to  the  nature  of  that  duty,) 
(i.)  Gives  glury  to  Go],  verf.  3.  9.  10.  1:.  I.}.  [z.) 
Seeks  for  grace  and  favour  from  God;  that  God  would  hear 
his  prayers,  verf.  1.  6.  7.;  pteferve  and  lave  him,  and  he 
merciful  to  him,  verf.  z.  3.  16. ;  that  he  would  give  him 
JayJ  and  sracz,  and  ftrengtb^  and  put  honour  upon  him, 
verf.  4.  II.  I/.;  lie  p'e.-ch  God's  eoodnefs,  vcrf.  5.  15.; 
andthe  malice  c'f  Ms  enemies,  verf.  14,  !n  finding-  this,  we 
muft,  as «David  d;J,  lift  up  oui  fouls  to  God  with  applica- 
tion. 

A  prayer  of  David. 

OLord,  do  thou  bow  down  thine  ear, 
and  hear  me  gracioufly: 
Becaufe  I  fore  afflicted  am, 
and  am  in  poverty. 

2  Becaufe  Urn  holy,  let  my  foul 

by  thee  preferred  be : 
O  thou  my  God,  thy  fervant  fave 
that  puts  his  truft  in  thee, 

3  Sith  unto  thee  I  daily  cry, 

be  merciful  to  me. 

4  Rejoice  thy  fervant5 s  foul:  for,  Lord, 

I  lift  my  foul  to  thee. 

5  For  thou  art  gracious,  O  Lord, 

and  ready  to  forgive; 
And  rich  in  mercy,  all  that  call 
upon  thee,  to  relieve. 

6  Hear,  Lord,  m  y  pray 'r :  unto  the  voice 

of  my  requeft  attend. 

7  In  troublous  times  I'll  call  on  thee: 

for  thou  wilt  anfwer  fend. 

P  2  2  Lord, 


2  28     P  S  A  L  M    LXXXVI. 

8  Lord,  there  is  none  among  the  gods 

that  may  VvTith  thee  compare, 
And  like  the  works  which  thou  haft  done 
not  any  work  is  there.  (come 

9  All  nations  whom  thou  mad'ft,  {hall 

and  worfhip  reverently 
Before  thy  face:  and  they,*0  Lord, 
thy  name  fhall  glorify. 
io  Becaufe  thou  art  exceeding  great, 
and  works  by  thee  are  done 
Which  are  to  be  admir'd ;  and  thou 
art  God  thyfelf  alone. 

1 1  Teach  me  thy  way,  and  in  thy  truth* 

O  Lord,  then  walk  will  I: 
Unite  my  heart,  that  I  thy  name 
may  fear  continually. 

1 2  O  Lord  my  God,  with  all  my  heart 

to  thee  I  will  give  praife: 
And  I  the  glory  will  afcribe 
unto  thy  name  always. 

13  Becaufe  thy  mercy  toward  me 

in  greatnefs  doth  excel; 
And  thou  delivered  haft  my  foul 
out  from  the  loweft  hell. 

14  O  God,  the  proud  againft  me  rife, 

and  violent  men  have  met, 
That  for  my  foul  have  fought ;  and  thee 
before  them  have  not  let. 

15  But 


PSALM   LXXXVT.      229 

15  But  thou  art  full  of  pity,  Lord, 

a  God  moil  gracious : 
Long-fuffering,  and  in  thy  truth 
and  mercy  plenteous. 

16  O  turn  to  me  thy  countenance, 

and  mercy  on  me  have : 
Thy  fervant  ftrengthen,  and  the  fon 
of  thine  own  handmaid  fave, 

1 7  Shew  me  a  fign  for  good,  that  they 

which  do  me  hate,  may  fee, 
Andbeafham'd;  becaufe  thou,  Lord, 
didft  help  and  comfort  me. 

PSALM    LXXXVII. 

The  foregoing  pfaJrp  was  very  plain  and  eafy,  but  in  this,  are 
things  dark,  and  hard  to  be  underftood,    It  is  an  encomium 
of  Sion,  as  a  type  and  figure  of  the  gofpel-chuich,  to  which 
what  is  here  ipoken,  is  very  applicable.   Sion,  for  the  tem- 
ple's fake,  is  here  preferred,  (i.)  Before  the  red  eft.1 
of  Canaan,  as  being    crowned  with  (pedal   tokens  of  God's 
favour,  verf.   I.  2.   3.   (2.)   Before  any  other  place  or  coun- 
try whatfoever,  as  being  replerrifhed  with  mere   en 
men,  and  with  a  greater  plenty  of  divine  blefTings,  verf.  4« 
7.   Some  think   it  was  penned   to  exprefs  the  joy  of  God's 
people  when  Sion  was  in  a  fiourifliing  ftate;  olhers  think  it 
was  penned  to  encourage   their  faith  and  hope>  when 
was    in   ruins,  and  was  to  be   rebuilt  after  the    car 
though  no  man  cared  for  her,  Jer.  xxx.  17. 
whom  no  man  feeketh  after,'  yet  Goi  ha 
for  her,  and  fpoken  glorious  things   of  her  ^  which 
all  have  their  perfection   and  accomplifnmcnt  in  the 
church  ;  to  that  therefore   we  mult  have  an  eye  in  . 
thispfalm. 


U 


A  pfalm  or  fong  for  the  fens  of  Koran. 

PON  the  hills  of  holineis 
he  his  foundation  fets. 


n  r 

-    — 


23o    PSALM    LXXXVII. 

2  God,  more  than  Jacob's  dwellings  all, 

delights  in  Zion's  gates. 

3  Things  glorious  are  faid  of  thee, 

thou  city  of  the  Lord. 

4  Rahab  and  Babel,  I,  to  thofe 

that  know  me,  wrill  record : 
Behold  ,ev'n  Tyrus,  and  with  it 

the  land  of  Paleftine, 
And  likewife  Ethiopia: 

this  man  was  born  therein. 

5  And  it  of  Zion  lhall  be  faid, 

This  man,  and  that  man  there 
Was  born :  and  he  that  is  moft  high 
himfelf  fhall  ftablifh  her.     (count 

6  When  God  the  people  writes,  he'll 

that  this  man  born  was  there. 

7  There  be  that  fing,  and  play:  and  all 

my  well-fprings  in  thee  are. 

P  S  A  L  M    LXXXVIII. 

This  pfalm  is  a  lamentation;  one  of  the  mofr.  melancholy  of 
all  the  pfalms,  and  it  doth  not  conclude  as  ufually  the  me- 
lancholy pfalms  do,  with  any  of  the  leaft:  intimation  of  com- 
fort, or  joy,  but  from  firfl:  to  laft,  it  is  mourning  and  wo. 
It  is  not  upon  a  publick  account  that  the  pfalmift  here  com- 
plains; here,  is  no  mention  of  the  afflictions  of  the  church, 
but  only  upon  a  perfbnal  account,  efpecially  trouble  of 
mind,  and  the  gfrief  imprefled  upon  hisfpirits,  both  by  his 
outward  afflictions,  and  by  the  remembrance  of  his  fins,  and 
the  fear  of  God's  wrrth.  It  is  reckoned  among  the  peni- 
tential pfalms,  and  it  is  well  when  cur  fears  are  thus  turned 
into  the  right  channel,  and  we  take  occafion  from  our  world- 
ly grievances,  to  forio.w  after  a  godly  fort,  in  this  pfalm, 
we  have,  (i.)  The  great  prefiuie  of  fpirit  that  the  pfalmift 
was   under,    verf.  5. — 6,  (2-.)  The  wrath  of  God,  which 


PSALM    LXXXVIII.     231 

was  the  caufe  of  that  prefliire,  verf.  7.  15.  16.  17.  (3.) 
The  wickednefs  of  his  friends,  verf.  8.  iS.  (4.)  The  ap- 
plication he  made  to  God  by  prayer,  I.  2.  9.  13.  (5.)  His 
humble  expoftulations  and  pleadings  with  God,  verf.  10. 
12.  14.  Thoic  who  arc  in  trouble  of  mind,  may  fing  tM, 
pfalm  feelingly;  thole  that  are  not,  ought  tofingit  thank- 
fully, blefllng  God  that  it  is  not  their  cafe. 

A  fong  or  pfalm  for  the  fons  of  Korah,  to  the  chief  mufician 
upon  Mahalath  Leannoth,  Mafchil  of  Pieman  the  Ezrahite. 

[^ORD  God,  mySaviour,  day  and  night 
before  thee  cry'd  have  I. 

2  Before  thee  let  my  prayer  come : 

give  ear  unto  my  cry. 

3  For  troubles  great  do  fill  my  foul: 

my  life  draws  nigh  the  grave. 

4  Pm  counted  with  thofe  that  go  down 

to  pit,  and  no  ftrength  have. 

5  Ev'n  free  among  the  dead,  like  them 

that  flain  in  grave  do  lie; 
Cut  off  from  thy  hand,  whom  no  more 
thou  haft  in  memory. 

6  Thou  haft  me  laid  in  loweft  pit, 

in  deeps  and  darkfome  caves. 

7  Thy  wrath  lies  hard  on  me,  thou  haft 

me  prefs'd  with  all  thy  waves. 

8  Thou  haft  put  far  from  me  my  friends: 

thou  mad'ft  them  to  abhor  me : 
And  I  am  fo  fhut  up,  that  I 
find  no  evafion  for  me. 

9  By  reafon  of  afflidion 

mine  eve  mourns  dolefully : 


10 


232     PSALM    LXXXVITI. 

To  thee,  Lord,  do  I  call,  and  ftretch 
my  hands  continually. 

10  Wilt  thou  fhew  wonders  to  the  dead? 

fhall  they  rife  and  thee  blefs  ? 

1 1  Shall  in  the  grave  thy  love  be  told? 

in  death  thy  faithfulnefs  ? 

12  Shall  thy  great  wonders  inthedark, 

or  fhall  thy  righteoufnefs 
Be  known  to  any  in  the  land 
of  deep  forgetfulnefs  ? 

1 3  But,  Lord,  to  thee  I  cry'd,  my  pray  Y 

at  morn  prevent  fhall  thee. 

1 4  Why,  Lord,  doll  thou  caft  offmy  foul? 

and  hid'ft  thy  face  from  me? 

15  Diftrefs'd  am  I,  and  from  my  youth 

I  ready  am  to  die: 
Thy  terrors  I  have  borne,  and  am 
diftra£ted  fearfully. 

16  The  dreadful  fiercenefsof  thy  wrath 

quite  over  me  doth  go; 
Thy  terrors  great  have1  cut  me  off, 
they  did  purfue  me  fo. 

1 7  For  round  about  me  ev'ry  day 

like  water  they  did  roul; 
And,  gathering  together,  they 
have  compafled  my  foul. 
1  8  My  friend  thou  haft  put  far  from  me, 
and  him  that  did  me  love; 

And 


PSALM    LXXXIX.     233 

And  thofethat  mine  acquaintance  were 
to  darknefs  didft  remove. 

P  S  A  L  M     LXXXIX. 

Many  pfalms  that  I  c -impUint  and  ji^ycr,  ei 

joy  and  praife  ;  but  this    begins  with  joy   and 
eiidsuith  lad  complaints  and  | 
recounts  Gods  former  favours,  and 
ratio 

certain  when  it  v 
a  time  when  the  houif  or"  Da 
thir. k  it  was  at  the  tttn 

king  Zedekiah  was  in:"...  >uchad- 

nexzar,  and  then  they  rr.akr 
but  that  the  pfalm  was  fet  to  the 
the  ion  of  Zerah,  called   Malchil; 
penned  by 

mon,  who  outliving  that  glorious  prince,  thus  lament 
great  >ne  to  thehoideot  I  next  reign, 

by  the  revolt  of:  t,  in  the  j  >y- 

ful  pleafant  partof  the  .  toGod/aod  takes 

comfort  to  tends :  and   this  hedptl 

briefly,  mentioning  God'smercy  and  truth,  verf.  1.  .  sndhis 
cover  1   :    but  more  largely  in  U 

rerfes,  1.)  He  adores  the  glory  and  - 

God,    rerf.  5. — 14      (z.)  He  pieaiV. 

rted   into  comn  -  him, 

verf.  15. — 18.     (3.)  He  builds  all  his  hope  Of 
venant  with  David,    as  a  type  of  Chriit,   rerf  19  —  ; 
In  the  melancholy  part  of  the  pfainr 

cal3mitci:s:la«te  of  the  prince  and  royal  f-v  j     — 45.; 

expo(iu!ates    with  God  upon    it,    veri~.  4 
eludes  with  pr_*-:r  forTedrcii,  :.      In  fjnj;. 

p  fa !  m .    w  c  m  u  ft  h  a  v  e  :- ; ; 
in  his  covenant  with  the  Redeemer, 
the  ofHicted  parts  of  the  chinch. 

Mafchil  of  Ethan   the  I 

■O  OD's  mercies  I  will  ever  fins:: 


and  with  mv  mouth  I  fhall 


Thy  faithfulnefs  make  fq  bt  I:::own 

2  For 


to  generations  all. 


234     PSALM    LXXXIX. 

2  For  mercy  fhall  be  built,  faid  I, 

for  ever  to  endure : 
Thy  faithfulnefs  ev'n  in  the  heav'ns 
thou  wilt  eftablifh  fure. 

3  I  with  my  chofen  One  have  made 

a  covenant  gracioufly; 
And  to  my  fervant  whom  I  lov'd, 
to  David  {worn  have  I : 

4  That  I  thy  feed  eftablifh  fhall 

for  ever  to  remain; 
And  will  to  generations  all 

thy  throne  build  and  maintain. 

5  The  praifes  of  thy  wonders,  Lord, 

the  heavens  fhall  exprefs : 
And  in  the  congregation 
of  faints,  thy  faithfulnefs. 

6  For  who  in  heaven  with  the  Lord 

may  once  himfelf  compare  ? 
Who  is  like  God  among  the  fons 
of  thofe  that  mighty  are  ? 
n  Great  fear  in  meeting  of  the  faints 
is  due  unto  the  Lord: 
And  he,  of  all  about  him,  fhould 
with  revVence  be  adorM. 
8  O  thou  that  art  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
what  Lord  in  mightinefs 
Is  like  to  thee,  who  compafs'd  round 
art  with  thy  faithfulnefs  ? 

9  Ev'n 


PSALM    LXXXIX.     235 

9  Ev'n  in  the  raging  of  the  fea 

thou  over  it  doit  reign : 
And  when  the  waves  thereof  do  fwell, 
thou  ftilleft  them  again. 

10  Rahab  in  pieces  thou  didft  break, 

like  one  that  flaughter'd  is; 
And  with  thy  mighty  arm  thou  haft 
difpers'd  thine  enemies. 

1 1  The  heav'ns  are  thine,  thou  for  thine 

the  earth  doft  alio  take:         (own 
The  world,  and  fulneis  of  the  fame, 
thy  pow'r  did  found  and  make. 

12  The  north  and  fouth  from  thee  alone 

their  firft  beginning  had : 
Both  Tabor  mount  and  Hermon  hill 
Ihall  in  thy  name  be  glad. 

1 3  Thou  haft  an  arm  that's  full  of  pow  V, 

thy  hand  is  great  m  might : 
And  thy  right  hand  exceedingly 
exalted  is  in  height. 

14  Juftice  and  judgment  of  thy  throne 

are  made  the  dwelling-place: 
Mercy,  acccmpany'd  with  truth, 
fhall  go  before  thy  face. 

15  O  greatly  blefs'd  the  people  are 

the  joyful  found  that  know: 
In  brightnefs  of  thy  face,  O  Lord, 
they  ever  on  lhall  go. 

16  They 


ttf     PSALM    LXXXIX. 

16  They  in  thy  name  {hall  all  the  day 

rejoice  exceedingly: 
And  in  thy  righteoufnefs  fhall  they 
exalted  be  on  high. 

1 7  Becaufe  the  glory  of  their  ftrength 

doth  only  ftand  in  thee : 
And  in  thy  favour  fhall  our  horn 
and  pow'r  exalted  be. 

18  For  God  is  our  defence,  and  he 

to  us  doth  fafety  bring : 
The  holy  One  of  Ifrael 
is  our  almighty  King. 

19  In  vifion  to  thy  holy  One, 

thou  faidft,  I  help  upon 
A  firong  one  laid;  out  of  the  folk 
I  rais'd  a  chofen  one. 

20  Ev'n  David,  I  have  found  him  out 

a  fervant  unto  me; 
And  with  my  holy  oil  my  king 
anointed  him  to  be.  (be : 

2 1  With  whom  my  hand  fhall  ftablifh'd 

mine  arm  fhall  make  him  ftrong. 

22  On  him  the  foe  fhall  not  exa£t, 

nor  fen  of  mifchief  wrong. 

23  I  will  beat  down  before  his  face 

all  his  malicious  foes : 
Iwiii  them  greatly  plague,  who  do 
with  hatred  him  oppofe. 

24  My 


PSALM    LXXXTa.      ifj 

24  My  mercy  and  my  faithful nefs 

with  him  yet  ftill  ihall  be : 
And  in  my  name  his  horn  and  pow'r 
men  fhall  exalted  fee. 

25  His  hand  and  pow'r  fhall  reach  afar, 

I'll  fet  it  in  the  fea ; 
And  his  right  hand  eftabliflied 
fhall  in  the  rivers  be. 

26  Thou  art  my  Father,  he  fhall  cry, 

thou  art  my  God  alone; 
And  he  fhall  fay,  Thou  art  the  rock 
of  my  falvation. 

27  I'll  make  him  my  firft-born,  more 

than  kings  of  any  land*         (fogk 

28  My  love  I'll  ever  keep  for  him, 

my  cov'nant  fail  fhall  ftand. 

29  His  feed  I  by  my  pow'r  will  make 

for  ever  to  endure; 
And,  as  the  days  of  heav'n,  his  throne 
fhall  ftable  be  and  fure. 

30  But  if  his  children  fhaH  fcrfake 

my  laws,  and  go  aftray, 
And  in  my  judgments  fhall  not  walk, 
but  wander  from  my  way; 

3 1  If  they  my  laws  break,  and  do  not 

keep  my  commandements: 

32  I'll  viiitthen  their  faults  with  rods, 

their  fins  with  chauiiements. 

33  Yet 


233     PSALM    LXXXIX. 

33  Yet  I'll  not  take  my  love  from  him, 
nor  falfe  my  promife  make. 

34My  covenant  I'll  not  break,nor  change 
what  with  my  mouth  I  fpake. 

35  Once  by  my  holinefs  I  fware, 

to  David  Til  not  lie, 

36  His  ked  and  throne  {hall  as  the  fun 

before  me  laft  for  ay. 

37  It,  like  the  moon,  fhall  ever  be 

eftablifh'd  ftedfaftly; 
And  like  to  that  which  intheheav'n 
doth  witnefs  faithfully. 

38  But  thou,  difpleafed,  haft  call  off, 

thou  didft  abhor  and  lothe, 
With  him  that  thine  anointed  is 
thou  haft  been  very  wroth. 

39  Thou  haft  thy  fervant's  covenant 

made  void,  and  quite  caft  by; 
Thou  haft  prof an'd  his  crown,  while  it 
caft  on  the  ground  doth  lie. 

40  Thou  all  his  hedges  haft  broke  down, 

his  ftrong-holds  down  haft  torn. 

41  He  to  all  paflers  by  a  fpoil, 

to  neighbours  is  a  fcorn. 

42  Thou  haft  fet  up  his  foes  right  hand, 

mad'ft  all  his  en'mies  glad : 

43  TurnM  his  fword's  edge,  and  him  to 

in  battle  haft  not  made.        (ftand 

44  His 


P  S  A  L  M    LXXXIX.     239 

44  His  glory  thou  haft  made  to  ceafe, 

his  throne  to  ground  down  caft; 

45  Short'ned  his  days  of  youth,  and  him 

with  fhame  thou  cover'd  haft. 

46  How  long,  Lord,  wilt  thou  hide  thy- 

for  ever  in  thine  ire  ?  (felf, 

And  fhall  thine  indignation 
burn  like  unto  a  fire? 

47  Remember,  Lord,  how  (hort  a  time 

I  fhall  on  earth  remain: 
O  wherefore  is  it  fo,  that  thou 
haft  made  all  men  in  vain? 

48  What  man  is  he  that  liveth  here, 

and  death  (hall  never  fee  ? 
Or  from  the  power  of  the  grave 
what  man  his  foul  fhall  free? 

49  Thy  former  loving-kindnefTes, 

O  Lord,  where  be  they  nowr? 
Thefe  wThich  in  truth  and  faithfulnefs 
to  David  fwom  haft  thci- 

50  Mind,  Lord,  thy  fervant's  fad  *e- 

how  I  in  bofom  bear         (proach ; 
The  fcornings  of  the  people  all, 
who  ftrong  and  mighty  are. 

51  Wherewith  thy  raging  enemies 

reproach'd,  O  Lord,  think  on; 
Wherewith  I  ye  reproach'd  the 

of  thine  anck^ed  Cue.  (fteps 

r2  AH 


24o     PSALM    LXXXIX. 

52  All  bleffing  to  the  Lord  our  God 
let  be  afcribed  then : 
For  evermore  fo  let  it  be. 
Amen,  yea,  and  amen. 

P  S  A  L  M    XC. 

The  foregoing  pfalm  was  fuppofcdto  be  penned  as  late  as  the 
captivity  in  Babylon;  this,  it  is  plain,  was  penned  as  early 
as  the  deliverance  out  of  Egypt,  and  yet  they  are  put  dole 
together  in  this  collection  of  divine  fongs.  This  pfalm  was 
penned  by  Mofes,  as  appears  by  the  title,  the  mod  ancient 
penman  of   facred  writ.     We  have  upon   record  a  praifing 

of  his,  Exod.  xv.  which  is  alluded  to  Rev.  xv.  3.; 
and  an  inirrucliiig  long  of  his,  Deut.  xxxii.:  hut  this  is  of 
a  different  nature  from  both,  for  it  is  called  a  prayer.  It  is 
fuppoied  that  this  pfaim  was  penned  upon  oce-afion  of  the 
fentence  parted  upon  Jlracl  in  the  wildernefs,  for  their  un- 
belief, murmuring  and  rebellion,  that  their  carcafes  mould 
fall  in  the  wildernefs,  that  they  (hould  be  wafted  away  by  a 
feries  of  miferies  for  thirty-eight  years  together,  and  none 
of  them  that  were  then  of  age  lhould  enter  Canaan.  This 
was  calculated  for  their  wanderings  in  the  wildernefs,  as  that 
other  fong  of  Mofes,  Deut.  xxxi.  19.  21.  was  for  their 
fettlereent  in  Canaan.  We  have  the  (lory  to  which  this 
pfalm  fcems  to  refer,  Numb  xiv.  Probably,  Mofes  pen- 
ned this  prayer  to  be  daily  uied,  either  by  the  people  in  their 
tents,  or  at  leafl,  by  the  priefls  in  the  tahernacle-fervice, 
during  that  tedious  fatigue  of  theirs  in  the  wildernefs.  In 
it,  (1.)  Moies  comforts  himfelf,  and  his  people,  with  the 
eternity  of  God,  and  their  intereft  in  him  however,  verf.  I. 
2.  (2.)  Pie  humbles  himfelf,  and  his  people,  with  the 
consideration  of  the  frailty  of  man,  verf.   3. — 6.      (3.)  He 

ti  himfelf  and  his  people,  to  the  righteous  fentenceof 
God  palled  upon  them,  verf.  7. — 11.  (4.)  He  commits  him- 
felf and  his  people  to  God,  by  prayer,  for  divine  mercy  and 
and  the  return  of  God's  favour,  verf.  12. — 17. 
Though  it  feems  to  have  been  penned  upon  this  particular 
oceafion,  yet  it  is  very  applicable  to  the  frailty  of  human 
life  in  general;  and,  in  fmgingofit,  we  may  eafily  apply 
it  to  the  years  of  our  paflage  through  the  wildernefs  of  this 
world;  and  it  furnifluth  us  with  meditations  and  prayers 
very  fuitabl  nnity  of  a  funeral. 

A  prayer 


PSALM    XC.  241 

A  prayer  of  ?.Toies  the  man  of  God. 

LORD,  thou  haft  been  our  dwelling- 
in  generations  all.  (place 

2  Before  thou  ever  hadft  brought  forth 

the  mountains  great  or  fmall, 
Ere  ever  thou  hadft  form'd  the  earth, 

and  all  the  world  abroad, 
Ev'n  thou  from  everlafting  art 

to  everlafting  God. 

3  Thou  doft  unto  deftru&ion 

man  that  is  mortal  turn : 
And  unto  them  thou  fayft,  Again, 
ye  fons  of  men,  return. 

4  Becaufe  a  thoufand  years  appear 

no  more  before  thy  fight 

Than  yefterday,  when  it  is  paft, 

or  than  a  watch  by  night. 

5  As  with  an  overflowing  flood 

thou  carry 'ft  them  away: 
They  like  a  fieep  are;  like  the  grafs 
that  grows  at  morn  are  they. 

6  At  morn  it  flourifnes  and  grows, 

cut  down  at  even  doth  fade. 

7  For  by  thine  anger  we're  confum'd, 

thy  wrath  makes  us  afraid, 

8  Our  fins  thou  and  iniquities 

doft  in  thy  prefence  place, 

'cL  And 


241  PSALM    XC 

And  fett'ft  our  fecret  faults  before 
the  brightnefs  of  thy  face. 
9  For  in  thine  anger  all  our  days 
do  pafs  on  to  an  end; 
And,  as  a  tale  that  hath  been  told, 
fo  we  our  years  do  fpend. 
i  o  Threefcore  and  ten  years  do  fum  up 
our  days  and  years,  we  fee : 
Or  if,  by  reafon  of  more  ftrength, 

in  fome  fourfcore  they  be : 
Yet  doth  the  ftrength  of  fuch  old  men 

but  grief  and  labour  prove; 

For  it  is  foon  cut  off,  and  we 

fly  hence,  and  foon  remove. 

1 1  Who  knows  the  power  of  thy  wrath  ? 

according  to  thy  fear, 

12  So  is  thy  wrath,  Lord,  teach  thou  us 

our  end  in  mind  to  bear; 
And  fo  to  count  our  days,  that  we 

our  hearts  may  ftill  apply 
To  learn  thy  wifdom  and  thy  truth, 

that  we  may  live  thereby. 

13  Turn  yet  again  to  us,  O  Lord, 

how  long  thus  {hall  it  be? 
Let  it  repent  thee  now  for  thofe 
that  fervants  are  to  thee. 

14  O  with  thy  tender  mercies,  Lord, 

us  early  fatisfy; 

So 


PSALM    XC.  243 

So  we  rejoice  fhall  all  our  days* 
and  ftill  be  glad  in  thee. 

15  According  as  the  days  have  been 

wherein  we  grief  have  had, 
And  years  wherein  we  ill  have  feen, 
fo  do  thou  make  us  glad. 

16  O  let  thy  wrork  and  pow'r  appear 

thy  fervants  face  before, 
And  fhew  unto  their  children  dear 
thy  glory  evermore. 

1 7  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord 

our  God  be  us  upon: 
Our  handy-works  eftablifh  thou, 
eftablifh  them  each  one. 

PSALM    XCI. 


Some  of  the  ancients  were  of  opinion,  that  Mofes  was  the 
penman,  not  only  of  the  foregoing  pfalm,  which  is  exprefs- 
ly  faid  to  be  his,  but  alfo  of  the  eight  that  next  follow  it; 
l> nt  that  cannot  be,  for  Pfal.  xcv.  is  exprefsly  laid  to  be 
penned  by  David,  and  long  after  Mofes,  Heb.  iv.  7.  And 
it  is  probable,  this  pfalm  alio  was  penned  by  David  :  it  is 
a  writ  of  protection  for  all  true  believers,  not  in  the  name 
of  king  David,  or  under  his  broad  feal;  he  needed  it  him- 
felf,  efpecially  if  the  pfalir.  was  penned,  as  fome  conjecture 
it  was,  at  the  time  of  the  peftilence,  which  was  fent  for  his 
numbering  the  people;  but  in  the  name  of  the  King  of 
kings,  and  under  the  broad  feal  of  heaven.  O'nl-rve,  (I  ) 
The  pfalmifTs  awn  refo'ution  to  take  God  for  his  keeper, 
verf.  3.;  from  which  he  gives  both  direction  and  encou- 
ragement to  others,  verf.  9.  (%.)  The  gromifes  which  are 
here  made  in  God's  name  toall  thofc  that  do  fo  inlincerity. 
I.  They  (hall  be  taken  under  the  peculiar  care  of  heaven, 
verf.  1.  4.  2.  They  fhall  be  delivered  from  the  malice  of 
the  powers  of  darknefs,  verf.  3. —  6.;  and  that  by  a  difiin- 
guiihing  prefervatioa,  verf.  7.  8.  3.  They  thall  be  the 
<i  %  charge 


244        PSALM    XCI. 

charge  of  the  holy  angels,  verf.  19.  n.  4.  They  fhall 
triumph  over  their  enemies,  verf.  13.  5.  They  fhail  be 
the  fpecial  favourites  of  God  himfelf,  verf.  14.  15.  16. 
In  fogtag  this,  we  muft  fiielter  ourfelves  under,  and  then 
folate  ourfelves  in  the  divine  protection.  Many  think,  that 
to  Chriil,  as  Mediator,  thefe  promifes  do  primarily  belong, 
If.  x!ix.  2.;  not  becatife  to  him  the  devil  applied  one  of 
thefe  p  rem  it':.?,  Matin,  iv.  6.  But  becauie  to  him  they 
are  very  applicable,  and  coming  through  him,  they  arc 
more  fweet  and  fure  to  all  believers. 

HE  that  doth  in  the  fecret  place 
of  the  Mod  High  refide, 
Under  the  fhade  of  him  that  is 
th'  Almighty  fhall  abide. 

2  I  of  the  Lord  my  God  will  fay, 

He  is  my  refuge  ftill, 
He  is  my  fortrefs,  and  my  God, 
and  in  him  truft  I  will. 

3  Afluredly  he  fhall  thee  fave, 

and  give  deliverance 
From  fubtle  fowler's  fnare,  and  from 
the  noifome  peftilence. 

4  His  feathers  fhall  thee  hide,  thy  truft 

under  his  wings  fhall  be: 
His  faithfulnefs  fhall  be  a  fhield 
and  buckler  unto  thee. 

5  Thou  fhalt  not  need  to  be  afraid 

for  terrors  of  the  night : 
Nor  for  the  arrow  that  doth  fly 
by  day,  while  it  is  light: 

6  Nor  for  the  peftilence,  that  wralks 

in  darkneis  fecretlv: 

Nor 


PSALM    XCI.  245 

Nor  for  deftru&ion,  that  doth  wafte 
at  noon-day  openly. 

7  A  thoufand  at  thy  fide  fhall  fall, 

on  thy  right  hand  fhall  lie 
Ten  thoufand  dead ;  yet  unto  thee 
it  fhall  not  once  come  nigh. 

8  Only  thou  with  thine  eye  fhalt  look, 

and  a  beholder  be; 
And  thou  therein  the  juft  reward 
of  wicked  men  fhalt  fee. 

9  Became  the  Lord,  who  conftantly 

my  refuge  is  alone, 
Ev'n  the  Mod  High  is  made  by  thee 
thy  habitation. 

10  No  plague  fhall  near  thy  dwelling 

no  ill  fhall  theebefal:  (come, 

1 1  For  thee  to  keep  in  all  thy  ways 

his  angels  charge  he  fhall. 

12  They  in  their  hands  fhall  bear  thee 

ftill  waiting  thee  upon;  (up, 

Left  thou  at  any  time  fhouldft  dafh 
thy  foot  againft  a  ftone. 

13  Upon  the  adder  thou  fhalt  tread, 

and  on  the  lion  ftrong : 
Thy  feet  on  dragons  trample  fhall, 
and  on  the  lions  young. 

14  Becaufe  on  me  he  let  his  love, 

HI  fave  and  fet  him  free : 


246        PSALM    XCIL 

Becaufe  my  great  name  he  hath  known, 
I  will  him  fet  on  high. 

15  -He'll  call  on  me,  I'll  anfwer  him, 

I  will  be  with  him  ftill, 
In  trouble  to  deliver  him, 
and  honour  him  I  will. 

1 6  With  length  of  days  unto  his  mind 

I  wrill  him  fatisfy; 
I  alfo  my  falvation 
wall  caufe  his  eyes  to  fee. 

PSALM    XCIL 

Jt  is  a  groundiefs  opinion  of  fomeof  the  Jewifh  writers,  who 
are  ufua!ly  free  of  their  conjectures,  that  this  pfalm  was 
penned,  auditing  by  Adam  in  innocency,  on  the  rirft  Sab- 
bath. It  is  inconfiitent  with  the  pfalm  itillf,  which  fpeaks 
of  the  workers  of  iniquity,  when  as  yet  fin  had  not  entered. 
It  is  probable,  it  was  penned  by  David,  and  being  calcula- 
ted for  the  Sabbath-day,  (1.)  Praife,  the  bufinefs  of  the 
Sabbath,  is  here  recommended,  verf.  I.  2.  3.  (2.)  God's 
works,  which  gave  occafion  for  the  Sabbath,  are  here  cele- 
brated, as  great  and  unfearchable  in  general,  verf.  4.  5.6. 
In  particular,  with  reference  to  the  works  both  of  provi- 
dence and  redemption,  thepfalmift  fings  unto  God  both  of 
mercy  and  judgment,  the  ruin  of  finners,  and  the  joy  of 
faints,  three  times  eounterchanged.  1.  The  wicked  Ihallpe- 
rifh,  verf.  7.;  but  God  iseternai,  vtrf.  8.  2-  God's  enemies 
(hall  be  cut  off,  but  David  fhall  be  exalted,  verf.  9.  10. 
3.  David's  enemies  lhall  be  confounded,  verf.  II.;  but  all 
the  righteous  fball  be  fruitful  and  flourifrin;:,  verf.  12. — 15. 
In  ilnging  this  pfalm,  we  muit  take  pleafure  in  giving  to 
God  the  glory  due  to  his  name,  and  triumph  in  his  works. 

A  pfalm  cr  fong  for  the  Sabbath-day. 

O  render  thanks  unto  the  Lord 
it  is  a  comely  thing, 
And  to  thy  name,  O  thou  Moft  High, 
due  praife  aloud  to  fing.      2  Thy 


T 


PSALM    XCII.         247 

2  Thy  loving-kindnefs  to  fhew  forth, 

when  Ihines  the  morning-light; 
And  to  declare  thy  faithfulnefs 
witk  plcafure  ev'ry  night. 

3  On  a  ten-ftiinged  inftrument, 

upon  the  pfaltery; 
And  on  the  harp  with  folemn  found, 
and  grave  fweet  melody. 

4  For  thou,  Lord,  by  thy  mighty  work 

haft  made  my  heart  right  glad : 
And  I  will  triumph  in  the  works 
which  by  thine  hands  were  made. 

5  How  great,  Lord,  are  thy  works!  each 

of  thine  a  deep  it  is.         (thought 

6  A  brutiih  man  it  knoweth  not; 

fools  underftand  not  this. 

7  When  thole  that  lewd  and  wicked  are, 

fpring  quickly  up  like  grafs, 
And  workers  of  iniquity 

do  flourifh  all  apace; 
It  is  that  they  for  ever  may 

deftroyed  be  and  flain : 

8  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  the  Mod  High, 

for  ever  to  remain. 

9  For  lo,  thine  enemies,  O  Lord, 

thine  en'mies  perifh  fhall: 
The  workers  of  iniquity 
fhall  be  difperfed  all. 

10  But 


248         PSALM    XCIL 

10  But  thou  fhalt,  like  unto  the  horn 

of  th'  unicorn,  exalt 
My  horn  on  high:  thou  with  frefh  oil 
anoint  me  alfo  fhalt. 

1 1  Mine  eye  fhall  alfo  my  defire 

fee  on  mine  enemies: 
Mine  ears  fhall  of  the  wicked  hear, 
that  do  againft  me  rife, 

12  But  like  the  palm-tree  flourifhing 

fhall  be  the  righteous  one; 
He  fhall  like  to  the  cedar  grow 
that  is  in  Lebanon. 

13  Thofe  that  within  the  houfe  of  God 

are  planted  by  his  grace, 
They  fhall  grow  up  and  flourifh  all 
in  our  God's  holy  place. 

14  And  in  old  age,  when  others  fade, 

they  fruit  ftill  forth  fhall  bring : 
They  fhall  be  fat,  and  full  of  fap, 
and  ay  be  flourifhing: 

15  To  fhew  that  upright  is  the  Lord  : 

he  is  a  rock  to  me, 
And  he  from  all  unrighteoufnefs 
is  altogether  free. 

PSALM     XCIII. 

Tiiis  lhort  pfalm  fets  forth  the  honour  of  the  kingdom  of  God 
among  men,  to  his  glory,  the  terror  of  his  enemies,  and 
the  comfort  of  all  his  loving  lubjec'ts.  And  it  relates  both  to 
the  kingdom  of  his  providence,  by  which  he  upholds  and 

governs 


PSALM    XCIII.        249 

rns  the  world,  and   efpecially   to  the  kin^.^m  of  his 

grace,  by  which   he    fecures  the  church,  Modifies  and  pre- 

!  it.    The  ad  minift  ration  of  bo<  gdoms  is  put 

into  the  hands  of  the  Mefliah,  and  to  him,  doubtlefs,  the 
prophet  here  bears  witnefs,  and  to  his  kingdom,  fptakir.5 
of  it  as  prefent,  becaule  lure;  and  becaufe,  as  the  eternal 
Word,  even  before  his  incarnation,  he  was  Lord  of  all. 
Concerning  God's  kingdom  glorious  tilings  are  here  fpo&en. 
(1.)  Have  other  kings  their  royal  robes  :  fo  has  he,  verf.  I. 
(2.)  Have  they  their  throne?  lb  has  lie,  verf.  z.  (3.)  Have 
they  their  enemies  whom  they  lubdue  and  triumph  over? 
fo  has  he,  verf.  3.  4.  (4.)  Is  it  their  honour  to  be  faith- 
ful and  holy?  fo  is  it  his,  verf.  5.  In  finging  this  pfalm, 
we  forget  curfelves,  if  we  forget  Chrift  to  whom  the  Fa- 
ther has  given  all  power  both  in  heaven  and  in  earth. 

THE  Lord  doth  reign,  and  cloth'd  is 
with  majefty  mod  bright :       (he 
His  works  do  fhew  him  cloth'd  to  be, 

and  girt  about  with  might. 
The  wrorld  is  alio  ftablifhed, 
that  it  cannot  depart. 

2  Thy  throne  is  fix'd  of  old,  and  thou 

from  everlafting  art. 

3  The  floods,  O  Lord,  have  lifted  up, 

they  lifted  up  their  voice ; 
The  floods  have  lifted  up  their  waves, 
and  made  a  mighty  noife. 

4  But  yet  the  Lord,  that  is  on  high, 

is  more  of  might  by  far, 

Than  noife  of  many  waters  is, 

or  great  fea-billows  are. 

5  Thy  teitimonies  ev'ry  one 

in  faithfulneis  excel; 
And  holineis  for  ever,  Lord, 
thine  houie  becometh  well. 


250        PSALM    XCIV. 

This  pfalm  was  penned  when  the  church  of  God  was  under 
hatches,  oppreiTed  and  perfecuted;  and  it  is  an  appeal  to 
God,  as  the  Judge  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  an  addrefs  to 
him,  to  ^ppearfor  his  people,  againft  his  and  their  enemies. 
Two  things  this  pfalm  fpeaks,  (i.)  Conviction  and  terror 
to  the  periccutors,  verf.  I. — n.  (hewing  them  their  dan- 
ger and  folly,  and  arguing  with  them.  (2.)  Comfort  and 
peace  to  the  perfecuted,  verf.  12.  23.;  alluring  them  both 
from  God;spromife,  and  from  the pfalmilVs  own  experience, 
that  their  troubles  would  end  well,  and  God  would  in  due 
time  appear  to  their  joy,  and  the  confufion  of  thole  that  fet 
themfelves  againft  them.  In  finging  this  pfiim,  we  muft 
look  abroad  up  m  the  pride  of  oppreiTors,  ukha  holy  in- 
dignation.- and  the  tears  of  the  opprefled.  with  a  holy  com- 
parison ;  but  at  the  fame  time,  look  upwards  to  the  righte- 
ous Judge,  with  an  entire  fa tis faction,  and  look  forwards 
to  the  end  of  all  thefe. things,  with  a  pleafing  hope. 

OLord  God,  unto  whom  alone 
all  vengeance  doth  belong: 
O  mighty  God,  who  vengeance  own'ft, 
fhine  forth,  avenging  wrong. 
i  Lift  up  thyfelf,  thou  of  the  earth 
the  fov'reign  Judge  that  art: 
And  unto  thofe  that  are  fo  proud 
a  due  reward  impart. 

3  How  long,  O  mighty  God,  {hall  they 

who  lewd  and  wicked  be, 
How  long  fnall  they  who  wicked  are, 
thus  triumph  haughtily  ?       (them 

4  How  long  fliall  things  raoft  hard  by 

be  uttered  and  told  ? 
And  all  that  work  iniquity 
to  boaft  themfelves  be  bold  ? 

5  Thy  folk  they  break  in  pieces,  Lord, 

thine  heritage  opprefs. 

6  The 


PSALM    XCIV.         251 

6  The  widow  they,  and  ftrangers  flay, 

and  kill  the  fatherlefs. 

7  Yet  fay  they,  God  it  fhall  not  fee, 

nor  God  of  Jacob  know. 

8  Ye  brutiih  people,  underftand; 

fools,  when  wife  will  ye  grow? 

9  The  Lord  did  plant  the  ear  of  man, 

and  hear  then  fhall  not  he? 
He  only  form'd  the  eye,  and  then 
fhall  he  not  clearly  fee? 

10  He  that  the  nations  doth  correct, 

fhall  he  not  chaftife  you? 
He  knowledge  unto  man  doth  teach, 
and  fhall  himfelf  not  know  ? 

1 1  Man's  thoughts  to  be  but  vanity, 

the  Lord  doth  well  difcern. 

12  Elefs'd  is  the  man  thou  chaft'neft, 

and  mak'ii  thy  law  to  learn.    (Lord, 

1 3  That  thou  mayft  give  him  reft  from 

of  fad  adverfity,  (days 

Until  the  pit  be  digg'd  for  thofe 
that  work  iniquity. 

14  For  fare  the  Lord  will  not  caft  off 

thofe  that  his  people  be, 

Neither  his  own  inheritance 

quit  and  forfake  will  he. 

15  But  j  zni  unto  righteoufnefs 

fhall  yet  return  again; 

And 


252        PSALM    XCIV. 

And  all  fhall  follow  after  it, 
that  are  right-hearted  men. 

1 6  Who  will  rife  up  for  me,  againft 

thofe  that  do  wickedly  ? 
Who  will  ftand  up  for  me,  'gainft  thofe 
that  work  iniquity? 

17  Unlefs  the  Lord  had  been  my  help, 

when  I  was  fore  oppreft, 
Almoft  my  foul  had  in  the  houfe 
of  filence  been  at  reft. 

1 8  When  I  had  uttered  this  word, 

(My  foot  doth  flip  away,) 
Thy  mercy  held  me  up,  O  Lord, 
thy  goodnefs  did  me  ftay. 

19  Amidft  the  multitude  of  thoughts 

which  in  my  heart  do  fight, 
My  foul,  left  it  be  overcharg'd, 
thy  comforts  do  delight. 

20  Shall  of  iniquity  the  throne 

have  fellowfhip  with  thee, 
Which  mifchief,  cunningly  contriv'd, 
doth  by  a  law  decree? 

2 1  Againft  the  righteous  fouls  they  join, 

they  guiltlefs  blood  condemn. 

22  But  of  my  refuge  God's  the  rock, 

and  my  defence  from  them. 

23  On  them  their  own  iniquity 

the  Lord  fhall  bring  and  lay, 

And 


PSALM    XCV.         253 

And  cut  them  off  in  their  own  fin; 
our  Lord  God  fhall  them  flav. 

PSALM    XCV. 

For  the  expounding  of  this  jSfahri,  we  may  borrow  a  great  deal 
of  light  from  the  apoltie's  difcourte,  Heb.  iii.  ar.d  iv.; 
where  it  appears  both  to  have  been  penned  by  David,  and 
to  have  been  calculated  for  the  days  of  the  MefEah  ;  for  it 
is  there  feid  expresfly,  Ileh.  iv.  7.  that  the  day  here  ipo- 
ken  of,  verf.  7.  is  to  be  underftood  of  the  gofpel  day,  in 
which  Godfpeaks  to  us  by  his  Son,  in  a  voice  which  we  are 
concerned  to  hear,  and  propofeth  to  us  a  reft:,  befides  that  of 
Canaan.  In  fjnging  of  pialms,  it  is  intended,  (1.)  That 
we  (houldmake  melody  unto  the  Lord,  and  that  we  are  here 
excited  to  no,  and  affifttd  in  doing;  being  called  upon  to 
praiie  God,  verf.  1.  2.  as  a  great  God,  verf.  3.  4.  5.  an,d  a? 
our  gracious  benef:<fror  verf.  6.  7.  (2.)  1  hat  wc  feould 
teach  and  admonifh  omTelves,  and  one  another:  andweare 
here  taught  and  warned  to  hear  God's  voice,  verf.  7. :  and 
rot  to  harden  our  hearts,  as  the  Jfraelites  in  the  wild 
did,  verf.  8.  9.  left  we  fall  under  God's  wrath,  and  fall 
fhort  of  his  reft,  as  they  did,  verf.  10.  it.  This pfalm  mull 
be  fung  with  an  holy  reverence  of  God's  foajefty,  and  a 
dread  of  his  juftice,  with  a  defire  to  pleafe  him,  and  a  feai* 
to  offend  him. 

OCome,  let  us  fing  to  the  Lord: 
come,  let  us  ev'ry  one 
A  joyful  noife  make  to  the  Rock 
of  our  falvation. 

2  Let  us  before  his  prefence  come 

with  praife  and  thankful  voice; 
Let  u^fing  pfalms  to  him  with  grace, 
and  make  a  joyful  noife. 

3  For  God  a  great  God,  and  great  King 

above  all  gods  he  is. 

4  Depths  of  the  earth  are  in  his  hand, 

the  ftrength  of  hills  is  his. 

5  To 


254        P  S  A  L  A*    XCV. 

5  To  him  the  fpacious  fea  belongs, 

for  he  the  fame  did  make : 
The  dry  land  alfo  from  his  hands 
its  form  at  firft  did  take. 

6  O  come,  and  let  us  worfhip  him, 

let  us  bow  down  withal, 
And  on  our  knees  before  the  Lord, 

our  maker,  let  us  fall. 
y  For  he's  our  God,  the  people  we 

of  his  own  pafture  are, 
And  of  his  hand  the  iheep;  to-day 

if  ye  his  voice  wrill  hear, 

8  Then  harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in 

the  provocation, 
As  in  the  defert,  on  the  day 
of  the  tentation : 

9  When  me  your  fathers  tempt'd,  and 

and  did  my  working  fee :   (prov'd, 
io  Ev'n  for  the  fpace  of  forty  years 

this  race  hath  grieved  me: 
I  faid,  This  people  errs  in  heart, 

my  ways  they  do  net  know. 
1 1  To  whom  I  fware  in  wratl^  that  to 

my  reft  they  fhould  not  go. 

P  S  A  L  m     XCVL 

This  pfalm  is  pare  of  that  pfalro  whicli  was  delivered  into  the 
hands  of  Afaph  and  his  bretbertn,  I  Citron,  xvi.  7.  ;  by 
which  it  appears,  both  that  David  '-as  the  penman  of  it, 
and  thai  i.  has  reference  to  the  bringing  up  of  the  ark  to 

the 


PSALM    XCVI.         iSS 

the  city  of  David  ;  whej  ai  ma.'e  firft, 

and  this  afterwards  taken  <  ut  of  it,  or  Efiis  ma  Ic  firft,  and 
afterwards  borrowed  to  make  up  tndt,  i>  Dot  certai;. 
this  is  certain,  that  tbo  the  translation  of 

the  ark,  it  lo<,ks  further  to  the  kingdom  of  Chriir,  and  is 
defigneu",  to  celebrate  the  z\  >rics  ot  that  kingdom,  cfpccially 
the  acceffion  of  the  Gfcfitiles  to  it.  Here  is,  :  I.;  A  call 
given  to  all  people  to  ;  fo  worfhip  him,  and  give 

glory  to  him,  as   a  great  and    glorious    I  I.  to  9. 

(2.)  Notice  given  to  all  people  .  >vern- 

ment  andjudgment,  w\  to  be  the  matter  of  uni- 

verluljoy,  verf.  10. — 13.  in  frngiBg  this  pfar.11.  wfc  0  1 
have  our  hearts  filled  with  great  and  high   thoughts  of  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  grace  of  the  gofptl,  and  with  an  erf- 
tire  latisfatlion  in  Chrids  iV.  ercign  dominion,   and  in  the- 
expectation  of  the  judgment  to  come. 

OSing  a  new  fong  to  the  Lord, 
fing  all  the  earth  to  God. 

2  To  God  fing, blefs his  name;  fhewftill- 

his  faving  health  abroad. 

3  Among  the  heathen  nations 

his  glory  do  declare; 
And  unto  all  the  people  {how 
his  works  that  wondrous  are. 

4  For  great's  the  Lord,  and  greatly  he 

is  to  be  magnify'd : 
Yea,  worthy  to  be  fear'd  is  he 
above  all  gods  beiide. 

5  For  all  the  gods  are  idols  dumb 

which  blinded  nations  fear; 
But  our  God  is  the  Lord,  by  whom 
the  heav'ns  created  were. 
(ipreat  honour  is  before  his  face, 
and  majefty  divine: 

Strei 


256        PSALM    XCVI. 

Strength  is  within  his  holy  place, 
and  there  doth  Beauty  fhine. 

7  Do  you  afcribe  unto  the  Lord, 

of  people  ev'ry  tribe, 
Glory  do  you  unto  the  Lord, 
and  mighty  pow'r  afcribe. 

8  Give  ye  the  glory  to  the  Lord 

that-  to  his  name  is  due: 
Come  ye  into  his  courts,  and  bring 
an  offering  with  you. 

9  In  beauty  of  his  holinefs 

O  do  the  Lord  adore: 
Likewife  let  all  the  earth  throughout 
tremble  his  face  before. 
io  Among  the  heathen  fay,  God  reigns: 
the  world  fhall  ftedfaftly 
Be  fixM  from  moving,  he  fhall  judge 
the  people  righteoufly. 

1 1  Let  heav'ns  be  glad  before  the  Lord, 

and  let  the  earth  rejoice: 
Let  feas,  and  all  that  is  therein, 
cry  out,  and  make  a  noife. 

1 2  Let  fields  rejoice,  and  ev'sy  thing 

that  fpringeth  of  the  earth  : 
Then  woods,  and  ev'ry  tree  fhall  fmg 
with  gladnefs  and  with  mirth 

13  Before  the  Lord;  becaufe  he  comes, 

to  judge  the  earth  comes  he: 

He'll 


PSALM    XCVn.         257 

He'll  judge  the  world  with  righteouf- 
the  people  faithfully.  (nefs, 

P  S  A  L  Af    XCVII. 

This  pfa'm  dwells   opon  tl  :  C;n-c   fi  to   the 

fame  tunc   with  the  foregoing  piairn.     Chrifl 
and  the  Omega  of  both; 

to  be  fung  to  his  honour  ;  and  we  make  nothing  of  them,  if 
we  do    not  in  them    m  with  our  hearts    to  the 

Lord  Jenis.     He  it  is  that  reigns  to  the  joy  of  all  mankind, 
verf.  1.  :    and  his  government  rrbr  to  his  e- 

nemies;  for  he  is  a  Prince  of  inflexible  ji  rrefifti- 

ble  power,   verf.  2. — 7.     (2.)  Comfort  to  his   friends,  and 
loyal  fubjecls,  arifing  fi 

he  takes  of  his  people,  and  the  provilion  he  makes  for  them, 

o. — 12.     In  fingiuc   ihis  pfalm,  we  rauft  be  affected 

the  glory  oftl  I   :mer.  mull  dread  the  lot 

of  his  enemies,  and  think  ourielves  happy,  if  we  arc  of  thole 

that  kifs  the  Son. 

GOD  reigneth,  let  the  earth  be  glad, 
and  iiles  rejoice  each  one. 

2  Dark  clouds  him  compafs,  and  in  right 

with  judgment  dwells  his  throne, 

3  Fire  goes  before  him,  and  his  foes 

it  burns  up  round  about. 

4  His  lightnings  lighten  did  the  world; 

earth  faw,  and  fhopk  throughout. 

5  Hills,  at  the  preience  of  the  Lord, 

like  wax  did  melt  away: 
Ev'n  at  the  prefence  of  the  Lord 
of  all  the  earLh,  I  fay. 

6  The  heav'ns  declare  his  righteoufnefs, 

all  men  his  glory  fee. 

R  All 


258        PSALM    XCVIL 

7  All  who  ferve  graven  forages, 

confounded  let  them  be : 
Who  do  of  idols  boaft  themfelveSy 

let  ihame  upon  them  fall : 
Ye  that  are  called  gods,  fee  that 

ye  do  him  worfhip  all. 

8  Sion  did  hear,  and  joyful  was, 

glad  Judah's  daughters  were, 
They  much  rejoic'd,  O  Lord,  becaufc 
thy  judgments  did  appear. 

9  For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  high  above 

all  things  on  earth  that  are: 
Above  all  other  gods  thou  art 
exalted  very  far. 
io  Hate  ill,  all  yc  that  love  the  Lord: 
his  faints  fouls  keepeth  he, 
And  from  the  hands  of  wicked  men 
he  fets  them  fafe  and  free. 

1 1  For  all  thofe  that  be  righteous 

fown  is  a  joyful  light, 
And  gladnefs  fown  is  for  all  thofe 
that  are  in  heart  upright. 

12  Ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord  rejoice; 

exprefs  your  thankfulnefs, 
When  ye  into  your  memory 
do  call  his  holinefs. 

PSALM 


P  S  A  L  M    XCVIII.        259 

This  pfalm  is  to  the  fame  purpofe  with  the  two  foregoing 
pfalms;  it  is  a  prophefy  of  the  kingdom  of  the  Median,  the 
letting  it  up  in  the  world,  and  the  bringing  in  of  the  Gen- 
tiles to  it.  The  Chaldeeintitles  it,  -A  prophetic  pfalm.  It 
fets  forth,  (1.)  The  glory  of  the  redeemer,  verf.  I.  %.  3. 
(a.)  The  joy  of  the  redeemed,  verf.  4. — 9.  If  we  in  a  right 
manner  give  to  Chriit  this  glory,  and  upon  right  grounds, 
take  to  ourfelves  this  joy  in  finging  this  pfalm,  we  fing  it 
with  underftanding.  A  nd  if  they  then,  who  faw  Chritt's 
day  at  a  diftance,  and  in  the  promiie  only,  mull  rejoice  and 
triumph  thus ;  much  more  reafon  have  we  to  do  fo,  that  fee 
thefe  things  accomplished,  and  fhare  in  the  better  things 
provided  for  us,  Heb.  xi.  40. 

A  pfalm. 

OSing  a  new  fong  to  the  Lord, 
for  wonders  he  hath  done : 
His  right  hand  and  his  holy  arm 
him  vi&ory  hath  won. 

2  The  Lord  God  his  falvation 

hath  caufed  to  be  known : 
His  juftice  in  the  heathens  fight 
he  openly  hath  fhown. 

3  He  mindful  of  his  grace  and  truth 

to  Ifr'el's  houfe  hath  been: 
And  the  falvation  of  our  God 
all  ends  of  th'  earth  have  feen. 

4  Let  all  the  earth  unto  the  Lord 

fend  forth  a  joyful  noife : 
Lift  up  your  voice  aloud  to  him, 
fing  praifes,  and  rejoice. 

5  With  harp,  with  harp,  and  voice  of 

unto  Jehovah  fing,        (pfalms, 
R  2  6  With 


26o        P  S  A  L  M    XCVIII. 

6  With  trumpets,  cornets,  gladly  found 

before  the  Lord,  the  King. 

7  Let  feas,  and  all  their  fulnefs  rore; 

the  world,  and  dwellers  there. 

8  Let  floods  clap  hands ;  and  let  the  hills 

together  iov  declare 

9  Before  the  Lord ;  becaufe  he  comes ; 

to  judge  the  earth  comes  he: 
He'll  judge  the  world  with  righteouf- 
his  folk  with  equity.  ■  (nefe, 

P  S  A  L  M    XCIX. 

Still  we  are  celebrating  glories  of  the  kingdom  of  God  among 
men,  and  are  called  upon  to  praffe  Mm,  as  in  the  for* 
pialms;  but  thofe  pfalms  looked  forward  to  the  times  of 
the  gofpel,  and  prbphefied  of  the  graces  and  comforts  of 
thofe  times;  thispfalm  feems  to  dwell  more  upon  the  Old- 
Teitament  dilpenfation,  and  the  manifestation  of  God's 
glory  and  grace  in  that.  Let  not  men,  in  expectation  of 
the  Mefliah's  kingdom,  and  the  evangelical  worfhip,  ne- 
glect that  divine  i  ley  were  then  under,  and  the 
ordinances  that  were  then  given  them,  but  in  them  ice  God 
reigning,  and  worfhip  before  him,  according  to  the  law  of 
Mofes,  Prophecies  of  good  things  to  come,  mufr  not  leiien 
our  efteem  of  good  things  preterit.  To  Jfrael  indeed  per- 
tained the  promiies  which  they  mi  but  to  them 
pertained  alio  the  giving  of  .  .  the  fervice  of  God, 
which  they  muft  alio  dutifully  and  e  end  to, 
Rom.  ix.  4.  And  this  they  are  called  to  do,  in  this  plalm; 
where  yet  there  is  much  of  Cbrift,  for  the  government  of 
the  church  was  in  the  hands  .fore  he 
was  incarnate;  and  befides,  the  ceremonial  fervices  were 
types  and  figures  of  ev«  ]  I  e  people  of  i£- 
rael  are  here  reel  God,  and  to  wor- 
fhip before  him,  in  consideration  of  theft  two  things.  (1.) 
The  happy  cor.i'  under, 
both  in  iacred  and  civil  things,  verf.  I, — -5.  (fc.)  Somein- 
ftahces  of  the  happy  adminiiira/  verf.  6. — 9. 
Iji  finging  of  this. jifalm,  we  ;altthc 
name  of  God,  as :. 

We  have  much  more  teafon  to  do.   1  red  un- 

der the  law.  TIT  cter- 


PSALM    XCIX.        261 

rTTK5  eternal  Lord  doth  reign  as  King, 
Jt       let  all  the  people  quake : 
He  fits  between  the  cherubims, 
let  th'  earth  be  mov'd  and  fhake. 

2  The  Lord  in  Zion  great,  and  high 

above  all  people  is. 

3  Thy  great  and  dreadful  name  (for  it 

is  holy)  let  them  blefs. 

4  The  King's  ftrength  alfo  judgment 

thou  fcttleft  equity,  (loves ; 

Juft  judgment  thou  doft  execute 
in  Jacob  righteoufly. 

5  The  Lord  our  God  exalt  on  high, 

and  reverently  do  ye 
Before  his  footftool  worfhip  him: 
the  holy  One  is  he. 

6  Mofes  and  Aaron  'mongft  his  priefts, 

Samuel  with  them  that  call 
Upon  his  name :  thefe  call'd  on  God, 
and  he  them  anfwer'd  all. 

7  Within  the  pillar  of  the  cloud 

he  unto  them  did  fpeak : 
The  teftimonies  he  them  taught, 
and  laws  they  did  not  break. 
SThou  aniwer'dft  them,OLord  ourGod: 
thou  waft  a  God  that  gave 
Pardon  to  them,  though  on  their  deeds 
thou  wouldeft  vengeance  have. 

9  Do 


i6z  PSALM    C. 

9  Do  ye  exalt  the  Lord  our  God, 
and  at  his  holy  hill 
Do  ye  him  worfhip :  for  the  Lord 
our  God  is  holy  ftill. 

PSALM    C. 

t  is  with  good  reafon  that  many  fing  this  pfalm  very  fre- 
quently in  their  religious  afTamblies,  for  it  is  very  proper 
both  to  exprefs  and  to  excite  pious  and  devout  affections  to- 
wards God  in  our  approach  to  him  in  holy  ordinances;  and 
af  our  hearts  go  along  with  the  words,  we  (hall  make  melo- 
dy in  it  to  the  Lord.  The  Jews  fay,  it  was  penned  to  be 
fung  with  their  thank-offerings;  perhaps  it  was  *,  but  we 
fay,  that  as  there  is  nothing  in  it  peculiar  to  their  ceconomy, 
fo  its  beginning  with  a  call  to  all  lands  topraife  God,  plain- 
ly extends  it  to  the  gofpel  church.  Here,  (i.)  We  are  cal- 
led upon  to  praife  God,  and  rejoice  in  him,  verf.  I.  a.  4. 
(2.)  We  are  furnifhed  with  matter  for  praife;  we  mud 
praife  him,  confidering  his  being  and  relation  to  us,  verf. 
3.;  and  his  mercy  and  truth,  verf.  J.  Thefe  are  plain  and 
common  things,  and  therefore  the  more  fit  to  be  the  mat- 
ter of  devotion. 

A  pfalm  of  praife. 

ALL  people  that  on  earth  do  dwell, 
Sing  to  the  Lord  with  cheerful  voice, 

2  Him  ferve  with  mirth,  his  praife  forth  tell, 
Come  ye  before  him,  and  rejoice. 

3  Know,  that  the  Lord  is  God  indeed, 
Without  our  aid  he  did  us  make; 
We  are  his  flock,  he  doth  us  feed, 
And  for  his  fheep  he  doth  us  take. 

4  O  enter  then  his  gates  with  praife, 
Approach  with  joy  his  courts  unto: 
Praife,  loud,  and  blefs  his  name  always, 
For  it  is  feemly  fo  to  do; 

5  For  why  ?  the  Lord  our  God  is  Good, 
His  mercy  is  for  ever  fure : 

His  truth  at  all  times  firmly  flood, 
And  (hall  from  age  to  age  endure. 

Another 


P  S  A  L  M    C.  263 

A.:::hr  cf  the  fame. 

OA11  ye  lands,  unto  the  Lord 
make  ye  a  joyful  noife, 

2  Serve  God  with  gladnefs;  him  before 

come  with  a  iinging  voice. 

3  Know  ye  the  Lord,  that  he  is  God, 

not  we,  but  he,  us  made ; 
We  are  his  people,  and  the  fheep 
within  his  pafture  fed. 

4  Enter  his  gates  and  courts  with  praife, 

to  thank  him  go  ye  thither  : 

To  him  exprefs  your  thankfulnefs, 

and  blefs  his  name  together. 

5  Becaufe  the  Lord  our  God  is  good, 

his  mercy  faileth  never : 
And  to  all  generations 
his  truth  endureth  ever. 

P  S  A  L  M    CI. 

rid  was  for  certain  the  penman  of  this  pfa!m,  and  it  has  in 
k  the  genuine  fpirit  of  the  man  after  God's  own  heart;   it 
(oleinn  vow  he    m?.de  to  God    when  he   took  upon  him 
the  charge  cf  a  family,,  and  of  the  kingdom.  Whether  it  was 
penned  when  he  entered  upon  the  government,  immediate- 
:.r  the  death  of  Saul,  as  ibme  think,  or  when    he   be- 
to  reign  over  ail  Ilrael,  aud  brought  up    the  ark  to  the 
city  of  David,  a-  k  is  not  material ;  it  is  an  ex- 

cellent plan,  or  model  for  the  good  government  of  a  court, 
or  the  keeping  up  of  virtue  and  piety,  and,  hy  that  means, 
rrood  order  in  it;  but  it  is  applicable  to  private  families ;  it 
dm.  It  inftriKts  all  that  are  in  any 
iphe-re  of  ;  bcr  larger  or  narrower,  to  ufe  their 

power  fo,  as  to  make  it  a  terror  to  evii-doers,  but  a  praife 
to  them  that  ral   fcope  of 

David's  vex,  verf  1.  :  rticuiars  of  it,  that 

he  would  detert  and  difcottntenanc  icrof  '.\icked- 

nels, 


264  PSALM    CI. 

ncfs,  vcrf.  3.  4.  5,  7.  8,;  and  that  he  would  favour  and 
encourage  fuch  as  were  virtuous,  verf.  6.  Some  think  this 
may  fitly  be  accomodated  to  Chrift,  the  Son  of  David,  who 
governs  his  church,  the  city  of  the  Lord,  by  thefe  rules, 
and  who  loveth  righteoufnefs,  and  hateth  wickednefs.  fn 
finging  this  pfalra,  families,  both  governors  and  governed, 
ihould  teach  and  admonifh,  and  engage  themielves,  and  one 
another,  to  walk  by  the  rule  of  it,  that  peace  may  be  upon 
them,  and  God's  prefence  with  them. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

Mercy  will  and  judgment  fmg ; 
Lord,  Iwill  fing  to  thee. 

2  With  wifdom,  in  a  perfect  way, 

fhall  my  behaviour  be  : 

0  when  in  kindnefs  unto  me, 
wilt  thou  be  pleas'd  to  gome? 

1  with  a  perfect  heart  will  walk 

within  my  houfe  at  home. 

3  I  will  endure  no  wicked  thing 

before  mine  eyes  to  be : 
I  hate  their  work  that  turn  afide, 
it  (hall  not  cleave  to  me. 

4  A  ftubborn  and  a  froward  heart 

depart  quite  from  me  fhall: 
A  perfon  giv'n  to  wickednefs 
I  will  not  know  at  all. 

5  I'll  cut  him  off  that  flandereth 

his  neighbour  privily: 
The  haughty  heart  I  will  not  bear, 
nor  him  that  looketh  high. 

6  Upon 


PSALM    CI. 

6  Upon  the  faithful  of  the  land 

mine  eyes  fhall  be,  that  they 
May  dwell  with  me :  I  ine  fervs 

that  walks  in  perfecl  way. 

7  Who  of  d  worker  is, 

in  my  houfe  fhall  not  dwell : 
And  in  my  pretence  fhall  he  not 
remain,  that  lies  doth  tell. 

8  Yea,  all  the  wicked  of  the  land 

early  deftrby  will  I; 
All  from  God's  city  to  cut  off, 
that  work  iniquity. 

P  S  A  L  M    CIL 

Some  think  D  fai 

Ndjcmiah,  or 

prop'  it  for  the  ule  of  tl 

captivity  in  Babylon,  beeanfi 

of  Si  time  let  for  the 

Daniel  underfcood  by  books,  .;  orperh:.;^ 

pfrlmi  ■•.  '..ich  he  cor, 

cf  in  I  but  (as  in   Pfa!.    . 

and  elfewhc  ith  theconfi- 

derationofC  ity  and 

perp..  iiftrtfled  and  thrc. 

But  it  is  cleai 

Hen.  i.  ii.  i%.  is  reference  to  the  day  s  of 

the  M 

afflictions  of  his  <  c  In  the  pfa tm,  we 

[A  makes,  ei- 
.  or  i:i  the  name  cf  the  ehurcli, 
, 
!e  comfort  •.  :.  From 

- 
2,3.;  and  d 

i 
- 

- 
and 


266  PSALM    CII. 

and  the  comfortaMe  part  of  thepfalm  will  be  the  more  com, 
foi  table  to  us  in  finging  of  it. 

A  prayer  of  the  afflicted,  when  he  is  overwhelmed,  and  pour- 
eth  out  his  complaint  before  the  *Lord. 

OLord,  unto  my  pray'r  give  ear, 
my  cry  let  come  to  thee. 

2  And  in  the  day  of  my  diftrefs, 

hide  not  thy  face  from  me; 
Give  ear  to  me :  what  time  I  call, 
to  anfwer  me  make  hafte. 

3  For  as  an  hearth  my  bones  are  burnt : 

my  days  like  fmoke  do  wafte. 

4  My  heart  within  me  fmitten  is, 

and  it  is  withered 
Like  very  grafs ;  fo  that  I  do  - 
forget  to  eat  my  bread. 

5  By  reafon  of  my  groaning  voice, 

my  bones  cleave  to  my  (kin. 

6  Like  pelican  in  wildernefs 

forfaken  I  have  been: 
y  I  like  an  owl  in  defert  am, 

that  nightly  there  doth  moan. 
I  Watch,  and  like  a  fparrow  am 
on  the  houfe-top  alone. 
8  My  bitter  en'mies  all  the  day 
reproaches  call  on  me : 
And  being  mad  at  me,  with  rage 
againft  me  fworn  they  be. 

9  For 


PSALM    CII.  267 

9  For  why,  I  afhes  eaten  have, 

like  bread,  in  forrow  deep: 

My  drink  I  alio  mingled  have 

with  tears  that  I  did  weep. 

10  Thy  wrath  and  indignation 

did  caufe  this  grief  and  pain : 
For  thou  haft  lift  me  up  on  high, 
and  caft  me  down  again. 

1 1  My  days  are  like  unto  a  {hade, 

which  doth  declining  pafs : 
And  I  am  dry'd  and  withered, 
ev'n  like  unto  the  grafs. 

12  But  thou,  Lord,  everlafting  art, 

and  thy  remembrance  mall 
Continually  endure,  and  be 
to  generations  all. 

13  Thou  (halt  arife,  and  mercy  have 

upon  thy  Zion  yet : 
The  time  to  favour  her  is  come, 
the  time  that  thou  haft  fet. 

14  For  in  her  rubbifh  and  her  ftones 

thy  fervants  pleafure  take; 
Yea,  they  the  very  duft  thereof 
do  favour  for  her  fake. 

15  So  fhall  the  heathen  people  fear 

the  Lord's  moft  holy  name; 
And  all  the  kings  on  earth  fhall  dread 
thy  glory  and  thy  fame. 

16  When 


-68  PSALM    CII. 

1 6  When  Zion  by  the  mighty  Lord 

built  up  again  fhall  be, 

In  glory  then,  and  majeily, 

to  men  appear  fhall  he. 

1 7  The  prayer  of  the  deftitute 

he  furely  will  regard, 
Their  prayer  will  he  not  defplfe, 
by  him  it  ihall  be  heard. 

1 8  For  ge  ls  yet  to  come 

this  fhall  be  on  record : 
So  fhall  the  people  that  fhall  be 
created,  praife  the  Lord. 
rg  Ke  from  his  fan£iuary's  height 
hath  downward  caft  his  eye: 
And  from  his  glorious  throne  in  heaV'n 
the  Lord  the  earth  did  fpy : 

20  That  of  the  mournful  prifoner 

the  groanings  he  might  hear, 
To  fet  them  free  that  unto  death 
by  men  appointed  are: 

21  T.  :  Sion  may  declare 

moft  holy  name, 
And  pub!:!::  in  Jertifalem 
the  praifes  of  the  fame. 

22  \  e  people  gather  fhall 

in  ith  one  accord, 

When  ms  fhall  affembltfd  be 

to  ft  jheft  Lord. 

23  My 


P  S  A  L  M    CII.  269 

-23MV  wonted  ftrength  and  force  he  hath 
abated  in  the  way; 
And  he  my  day  icd: 

24  Thus  therefore  did  I 

My  God,  in  mid-time  of  ray 

take  thou  me  noL 
From  age  to  age  et 

thy  years  endute 

25  The  firm  foundation  of  the  earth 

of  old  time  thou  haft  laid : 
The  heavens  alio  are  the  work 
which  thine  own  hands  have  made. 

26  Thou  {halt  for  evermore  endure: 

but  they  (hall  periin  all; 
Yea,  ev'ry  one  of  them  wax  old, 

like  to  a  garment,  fhall: 
Thou  as  avefturefhalt  them  change, 

and  thev  fhall  changed  be. 

27  But  thou  the  fame  art,  and  thy  years 

are  to  eternity. 

28  The  children  of  thy  fervants  fhall 

continually  endure, 
And  in  thy  fight,  O  Lord,  their  feed 
fhall  be  eftablifh'd  fure. 

LOrd,  hear  my  pray'r,  and  let  my  cry 
Have  lpeedy  ace  -ee. 

2    In   day  of   nv 

O  hide  not  thou  thy  fr.ee  From   me: 

Hear  when    I  call   Co 

An  anfwer  fpeedHy  return. 


270  PSALM    CIL 

3  My  days  like  fmoke  confume  away, 
And,  as  an  hearth,  my  bones  do  burn. 

4  My  heart  is  wounded  very  fore, 
And  whithered,  like  grafs,  doth  fade: 
1  am  foigetful  grown  therefore 

To  take  and  eat  my  daily  bread. 

5  By  reafon  of  my  fmart  within, 

And  voice  of  my  mod  grievous  groans, 

My  flefh  confumed  is,  my  (kin, 

AH  parch 'd  doth  cleave  unto  my  bones. 

6  The  pelican  of  wildernefs, 
The  owl  in  defert  I  do  match  : 

7  And  fparroW-like,  companionlefs, 
Upon  the  houfe's  top,  1  watch. 

2  I  all  day  long  am  made  a  fcorn, 
Reproach'd  by  my  malicious  foes: 
The  mad  men  are  againft  me  fworn, 
The  men  againft  me  that  arofe. 

9  For  I  have  afhes  eaten  up, 

To  me  as  if  they  had  been  bread; 
And  with  my  drink  I  in  my  cup 
Of  bitter  tears  a  mixture  made. 

10  Becaufe  thy  wrath  was  not  appeas'd, 
And  dreadful  indignation: 
Therefore  it  was  that  thou  me  rais'd 
And  thou  again  didft  caft  me  down. 

IX  My  days  are  like  a  (hade  alway, 

Which  doth  declining  fvviftly  pafs : 

And  I  am  withered  away 

Much  like  unto  the  fading  grafs. 
13  But  thou,  O  Lord,  malt  ftill  endure, 

from  change  and  all  mutation  free, 

And,  to  all  generations,  fure 

Shall  thy  remembrance  ever  be. 

13  Thou  malt  arife,  and  mercy  yet 
Thou  to  mount  Zion  (halt  extend: 
Her  time  for  favour  which  was  fet 
Behold,  is  now  come  to  an  end. 

14  Thy  faints  take  pleaiure  in  her  (tones, 
Her  very  daft  to  tnem  is  dear. 

15  All  heathen  lands,  and  kingly  thrones 
On  earth,  thy  glorious  name  mail  fear. 

16  God  in  his  glory  (hall  appear, 
When  Zion  he  builds  and  repairs. 

17  He  (hall  regard  and  lend  his  ear, 
Unto  the  needy  *s  humble  pray'rs: 

Th*  affli&ed's  prayer  he  will  not  fcorn. 
%%  All  times  this  (hall  be  on  record, 
And  generations  yet  rnborn 
Shall  ptaife  and  magnify  the  Lord.  19  He 


PSALM    CIII.  271 

10  He  from  his  holy  place  look'd  down, 
The  earth  he  view'd  from  heav'n  on  high    : 

2J  To  hear  the  pris'ners  mourning  groan, 
And  free  them  that  are  doom'd  to  die: 

21  That  Zion,  and  Jerus'lem   too 

His  name  and  praife  may  well  record; 

22  When  people,  and  the  kingdoms  do 
Afle;:.blc  all  to  praife  the  Lord. 

23  My  ftiength  he  weakned  in   the  way, 
My  days  of  life  he  fhortened. 

24  My  God,  O  take  me  not  away 
In  mid-time  of  my  days,  I  faid : 
Thv  years  throughout  all  ages  laft. 

25  Of  old  thou  haft  eftablilhed 

The  earth's  foundation   firm  and  fad:  x 

Thy  mighty  hands  the  heav'ns  have  made, 

26  They  perim  (hall,  as  garments  do, 
But  thou  (halt  evermore  endure  : 

As  vultures,  thou  fhalt  change  them  fo ; 
And  they  fhail  all  be  changed  Aire. 

27  But  from  all  changes  thou  art  free, 
Thy  endlefs  years  do  lad:  for  ay. 

28  Thy  fervants.  and  thrir  feed  who  be, 
Eftablifh'd  fhall  before  thee  ftay. 

PSALM    CIII. 

This  pfalm  calls  more  for  devotion  than  expofition;  it  is  a 
moll:  excellent  pfalm  of  pruife,  and  of  general  ufe.  The 
pfalmift,  (i.)  Stirs  up  himfelfand  his  own  foul  to  praife 
God,  verf.  I.  2. ;  for  his  favour  to  him  in  particular,  verf. 
3.  4.  5. ;  to  the  church  in  general,  and  to  all  good  men,  to 
whom  he  is  and  will  be  jult,  and  kind,  and  conitant.  verf. 
6.—  18.;  and  for  his  government  of  the  world,  verf.  19.  (2) 
He  defires  the  aflifrance  of  the  holy  angels,  and  all  the 
works  of  God  in  praifmg  him,  verf.  20.  21.  22.  In  ringing 
this  pfalm,  we  mud:,  in  a  fpecial  manner,  get  our  hearts 
affected  with  the  goodnefs  of  God,  and  enlarged  in  love  and 
thankfulnefs. 

A  pfihn  of  David. 

OThou  my  foul,  blefs  God  the  Lord, 
and  all  that  in  me  is 
Be  ftirred  up,  his  holy  name 
to  magnify  and  blefs. 

2  Blefs, 


,2j2         PSALM    cm. 

2  Blefs,  O  my  foul,  the  Lord  thy  God, 

1  not  forgetful  be 
Of  all  his  gracious  benefits 
he  hath  beftow'd  on  thee. 

3  All  thine  iniquities  who  doth 

moil  graciouily  forgive : 
Who  thy  difeafes  all  and  pains 
doth -heal,  and  thee  relieve. 

4  Who  doth  redeem  thy  life,  that  thou 

to  death  mayft  not  go  down: 
Who  thee  with  loving-kindnefs  doth 
and  tender  mercies  crown. 

5  Who  with  abundance  of  good  things 

doth  fatisfy  thy  mouth: 
So  that,  ev'n  as  the  eagle's  age, 
renewed  is  thy  youth. 

6  God  righteous  judgment  executes 

for  all  oppreffed  ones. 

7  His  way  to  Mofes,  he  his  a£ts 

made  known  to  Ifr'ePs  fons. 

8  The  Lord  our  God  is  merciful, 

and  he  is  gracious, 
Long-fufFering,  and  flow  to  wrath, 
in  mercy  plenteous. 

9  Ke  will  not  chide  continually, 

nor  keep  his  anger  ftill. 
io  With  us  he  dealt  not  as  we  finn'd, 
nor  did  requite  our  ill. 

ii  For 


PSALM    CHI.         273 

1 1  For  as  the  heaven  in  its  height 

the  earth  furmounteth  far; 
So  great  to  thofe  that  do  him  fear 
his  tender  mercies  are. 

1 2  As  far  as  eaft  is  diftant  from 

the  weft,  fo  far  hath  he 
From  us  removed,  in  his  love, 
all  our  iniquity. 

13  Such  pity  as  a  father  hath 

unto  his  children  dear; 
Like  pity  fhews  the  Lord  to  fuch 
as  worfhip  him  in  fear. 

14  For  he  remembers  we  are  duft, 

and  he  our  frame  wrell  knows. 

15  Frail  man,  his  days  are  like  the  grafs, 

as  flow'r  in  field  he  grows. 

1 6  For  over  it  the  wrind  doth  pafs, 

and  it  away  is  gone; 
And  of  the  place  where  once  it  was, 
it  fhall  no  more  be  known. 

17  But  unto  them  that  do  him  fear, 

God's  mercy  never  ends : 
And  to  their  childrens  children  ftill 
his  righteoufnefs  extends : 

1 8  To  fuch  as  keep  his  covenant, 

and  mindful  are  alway 
Of  his  moft  juft  commandements, 
that  they  may  them  obey. 

S  *  19  The 


274         P  S'A  L  M    CIII. 

19  The  Lord  prepared  hath  his  throne 

in  heavens  firm  to  ftand : 
And  ev'ry  thing  that  being  hath> 
his  kingdom  doth  command. 

20  O  ye  his  angels  that  excel 

in  ftrength,  blefs  ye  the  Lord, 
Ye  who  obey  what  he  commands, 
and  hearken  to  his  word. 

2 1  O  blefs  and  magnify  the  Lord, 

ye  glorious  hofts  of  his,. 

Ye  minifters,  that  do  fulfil 

whatever  his  pleafure  is. 

22  O  blefs  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  works? 

wherewith  the  world  is  ftor'd 

In  his  dominions  ev'ry  where  1 

my  foul,  blefs  thou  the  Lord. 

P  S  A  L  M    CIV. 

It  is  very  probable  that  thfs  pfalm  was  penned  by  the  fame 
hand,  and  at  the  fame  time  with  the  former;  for  as  that 
ended,  this  begins,  with,  *  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foul,' 
and  concludes  with  it  too,  verf.  3$.  The  ftile  indeed  is 
fomewhat  different,  becaufe  the  matter  is  fo;  the  fcope  if 
the  foregoing  pfalm  was  to  celebrate  the  goodnefs  of  God, 
and  his  tender  mercy  and  companion,  to*  which  a  foft  and 
fwect  ftile  was  moft  agreeable;  the  fcope  of  this  is  to  cele- 
brate his  greatnefs  and  majefty,  and  fovereign  dominion, 
which  ought  to  be  done  in  the  moft  lofty  drains  of  poetry, 
David  in  the  former  pfalm,  gave  God  the  glory  of  his  co- 
venant mercy  and  love  to  his  peopb;  in  this  he  gives  bi:n 
the  glory  of  his  works  of  creation  and  providence,  his  do- 
minion over,  and  his  bounty  to  all  the  Creature*.  God  is 
there  praifed  as  the  God  of  grace,  here  as  the  God  of  na- 
ture. And  this  pfalm  is  wholly  beftowcd  on  that  fubject; 
not  as  Pial.  xix.  which  begins  with  it,  but  paficth  from  it 
to  the  conftdcration  of  the  divine  law;  norasPfal.  viii. 

which 


PSALM    CIV.         275 

which  fpeaks  of  this  but  prophetically,  and  with  an  eye  to 
Chrift.  This  noble  poem  is  thought  by  very  competent 
judges,  not  only  for  piety  and  devotion,  (that  is  paft  dif- 
putc,)  but  for  flight  of  fancy,  brightness  of  ideas,  fuiprif- 
ing  turns,  and  all  the  beauties  and  ornaments  of  exprcf- 
fion,  far  to  excell  any  of  the  Greek  or  Latin  poets  upon 
any  fubjett  of  this  nature.  Many  great  things  the  pfalmift 
here  gives  God  the  glory  of ;  (1.)  the  fplendour  of  his  ma- 
jefty  in  the  upper  world,  verf.  1. — 4.  (2.)  The  creation 
of  the  fea,  and  the  dryland,  verf.  5. — 9.  (3.)  The  pro- 
vifion  he  makes  for  the  maintenance  of  all  the  creatures  ac- 
'cording  to  their  nature,  verf.  10. — 18,;  and  again,  verf. 
27.  28.  (4.]  The  regular  courfe  of  the  fun  and  moon, 
verf.  19. — 24.  (5)  The  furniture  of  the  fea,  verf.  25.  26. 
(6.)  God's,  fovcreign  power  over  all  the  creatures,  verf.  29. 
32.  And  laftly,  he  concludes  with  a  pleafant  and  firm  re- 
lblution  to  continue  praifing  God,  verf.  ^3-  34-  35'  With 
which  we  mould  heartily  join  in  finging  this  pfalm. 

BLefs  God,  my  foul :  O  Lord  my  God, 
thou  art  exceeding  great, 
With  honour  and  with  majefty 
thou  clothed  art  in  ftate. 

2  With  light,  as  with  a  robe,  thyfelf 

thou  covered  about; 
And,  like  unto  a  curtain,  thou 
the  heavens  ftretcheft  out. 

3  Who  of  his  chambers  doth  the  beams 

within  the  waters  lay; 
Who  doth  the  clouds  his  chariot  make, 
on  wings' of  wind  make  way. 

4  Who  flaming  fire  his  minifters, 

his  angels  fp'rits  doth  make. 

5  Who  earth's  foundations  did  lay, 

that  it  fhould  never  fhake. 

S  2  6  Thou 


2j6         PSALM    CIV. 

6  Thou  didft  it  cover  with  the  deep, 

as  with  a  garment  fpread : 
The  waters  flood  above  the  hills, 
when  thou  the  word  but  faid. 

7  But  at  the  voice  of  thy  rebuke 

they  fled,  and  would  not  flay: 
They  at  thy  thunder's  dreadful  voice 
did  hafte  them  faft  awray. 

8  They  by  the  mountains  do  afcend, 

and  by  the  valley-ground 
Defcend,  unto  that  very  place 

which  thou  for  them  didft  found. 

9  Thou  haft  a  bound  unto  them  fet, 

that  they  may  not  pafs  over, 
That  they  do  not  return  again 
the  face  of  earth  to  cover, 
io  He  to  the  valleys  fends  the  fprings, 

which  run  among  the  hills : 
1 1  They  to  all  beads  of  field  give  drink, 

wild  affes  drink  their  fills. 
i  aBy  them  the  fowls  of  heav'n  fhall  have 
their  habitation, 
Which  do  among  the  branches  fing 
with  delegation. 
13  He  from  his  chambers  watereth 
the  hills,  when  they  are  dry'd: 
With  fruit  andincreafeof  thy  works 
the  earth  is  latisfy'd. 

14  For 


P  S  A  L  M    CIV.  277 

14  For  cattle  he  makes  grafs  to  grow, 
he  makes  the  herb  to  fpring 
For  th*  ufe  of  man,  that  food  to  him 
he  from  the  earth  may  bring : 
1  j  And  wine,  that  to  the  heart  of  man 
doth  cheerfulnefs  impart, 
Oil  that  his  face  makes  fhine,  and  bread 
that  ftrengtheneth  his  heart. 

1 6  The  trees  of  God  are  full  of  fap, 

the  cedars  that  do  ftand 
In  Lebanon,  which  planted  were 
by  his  almighty  hand. 

1 7  Birds  of  the  air,  upon  their  boughs, 

do  choofe  their  nefts  to  make: 
As  for  the  ftork,  the  fir-trees  fhe 
doth  for  her  dwelling  take. 

18  The  lofty  mountains  for  wild  goats 

a  place  of  refuge  be : 
The  conies  alfo  to  the  rocks 
do  for  their  fafety  flee. 

1 9  He  fets  the  moon  in  heav'n,  thereby 

the  feafons  to  difcern : 
From  him  the  fun  His  certain  time 
of  going  down  doth  learn. 
2oThou darknefs  mak'ft,  'tis  night;  then 
of  forefts  creep  abroad.        (beads 
2 1  The  lions  young  rore  for  their  prey, 
and  feek  their  meat  from  God. 

22  The 


278         PSALM    CIV. 

22  The  fun  doth  rife,  and  home  they 

down  in  their  dens  they  lie.    (flock, 

23  Man  goes  to  work,  his  labour  he 

doth  to  the  evening  ply. 

24  How  manifold,  Lord,  are  thy  works! 

in  wifdom  wonderful 
Thou  ev'ry  one  of  them  haft  made; 
earth's  of  thy  riches  full. 

25  So  is  this  great  and  fpacious  fea, 

wherein  things  creeping  are, 
Which  numb'red  cannot  be;  andbeafts 
both  great  and  fmall  are  there. 

26  There  fhips  go;  there  thoumak'ftto 

that  leviathan  great.  (p^ay 

2  yThefe  all  wait  on  thee,  that  thou  mayft 
in  due  time  give  them  meat. 

28  That  which  thou  giveft  unto  them, 

they  gather  for  their  food; 
Thine  hand  thou  op'neft  lib'rally, 
they  filled  are  with  good. 

2 9  Thou  hid'ft  thy  face,they  troubled  are 

their  breath  thou  tak'ft  away; 
Then  do  they  die,  and  to  their  duft 
return  again  do  they.  (forth 

30  Thy  quick'ning  fp'rit  thou  fendeft 

then  they  created  be : 
And  then  the  earth's  decayed  face 
renewed  is  by  thee. 

31  The 


PSALM    CIV.  279 

31  The  glory  of  the  mighty  Lord 
continue  fhall  forever: 
The  Lord  Jehovah  fhall  rejoice 

in  all  his  works  together, 
[  arth,  as  affrighted,  trembleth  all, 

if  he  on  it  but  look; 
And  if  the  mountains  he  but  touch, 
they  prefently  do  fmoke. 

33  I  will  fing  to  the  Lord  mod  high, 

fo  long  as  I  fhall  live ; 
And  while  I  being  have,  I  fhall 
to  my  God  praiies  give. 

34  Of  him  my  meditation  fhall 

fweet  thoughts  to  me  afford ; 
And  as  for  me,  I  will  rejoice 

in  God,  my  only  Lord. 
2$  From  earth  let  finners  be  confum'd, 

let  ill  men  no  more  be: 
O  thou  my  foul,  blefs  thou  the  Lord. 

Praife  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

PSALM    CV. 

Some  of  the  pfalms  of  praife  are  very  fhort,  others  very  long, 
to  teach  us,  that  in  our  devotions,  we  mould  be  more  ob- 
fervant  howour  hearts  work,  than  how  the  time  pafTcth  : 
and  neither  oveiftretch  ourlelves,  by  coveting  to  be  long, 
roroverftint  ourlelves  by  coveting  to  be  (bore;  but  either 
the  one  or  the  other,  as  v.e  find  in  our  hearts  to  pray.  This 
Is  a  long  pfalm;  the  general  fcope  is  the  fame  uith  mod  of 
theplaims,  to  fet  forth  the  ^bry  of  God,  but  the  fubject 
matter  is  particular.  Every  :ime  we  come  to  the  throne  of 
frace.  we  nay,  if  we  pleafe,  furnifh  ourfelves  out  of  the 
word  of  3od,  (out  of  the  hiftory  of  the  New  Teftament,  as 

this 


s8o  P  S  A  L  M    CV. 

this  owt  of  the  hiflory  of  the  Old,)  with  new  fongs,  with 
freih  thoughts,  fo  copious,  To  various,  fo  inexhauftible  is 
the  fubjett.  In  the  foregoing  pfalm,  we  are  taught  to 
praife  God  for  his  wondrous  work  of  common  providence, 
with  reference  to  the  world  in  general.  In  this,  we  are  di- 
rected to  praife  him  for  his  fpecial  favours  to  his  church. 
We  find  the  eleven  firft  verfes  of  this  pfalm  in  the  begin- 
ning of  that  pfalm  which  David  delivered  to  Afaph  to  be 
ufed  (as  it  fhould  feem)  in  the  daily  fervice  of  the  fanttu- 
ary,  when  the  ark  was  fixed  in  the  place  he  had  prepared 
for  it ;  by  which  it  appears,  both  who  penned  it,  and  when, 
and  upon  what  occafion  it  was  penned,  I  Chron.  xvi.  7.  &c. 
David,  by  it,  defigned  to  inftrucT:  his  people  in  the  obli- 
gations they  lay  under  to  adhere  faithfully  to  their  holy  re- 
ligion. Here  is  the  preface,  verf.  1. — 7.  and  the  hiftory 
itfclf,  in  feveral  articles,  (1.)  God's  covenant  with  the  pa- 
triarchs, verf.  8.«^-U.  (2.)  His  care  of  them  while  they 
were  (hangers,  verf.  n. — 15.  (3.)  His  raifing  up  Jofeph 
to  be  the  fhepherd  and  ftone  of  Ifrael,  verf.  16. — 22.  (4.) 
The  increafe  of  Ifraelin  Egypt,  and  their  deliverance  out  of 
Egypt,  verf.  23.-38.  (5.)  The  care  he  took  of  them  in 
the  wildernefs.  and  their  fettlerrent  in  Canaan,  verf.  39. 
to  45.  In  finging  this,  we  mull:  give  to  God  the  glory  of 
his  wifdom  and  power,  his  goodnefs  and  faithfulncfs;  muft 
look  upon  ourfelves  as  concerned  in  the  affairs  of  the  Old- 
TeOament  church,  both  becaufe  to  it  were  committed  the 
oracles  of  God,  which  are  our  treafure,  and  out  of  it  Chrift 
arofe,  and  thefe  things  happened  to  it  for  enfamples. 

Give  thanks  to  God;  call  on  his  name; 
to  men  his  deeds  make  known. 

2  Singye  tohim,fingpfalms;  proclaim 

his  wondrous  works  each  one. 

3  See  that  ye  in  his  holy  name 

to  glory  do  accord : 
And  let  the  heart  of  ev'ry  one 
rejoice,  that  feeks  the  Lord. 

4  The  Lord  almighty,  and  hisftrength, 

with  ftedfaft  hearts  feek  ye : 

His 


PSALM    CV.  281 

His  bleffed  and  his  gracious  face 

feek  ye  continually, 
c  Think  on  the  works  that  he  hath  done, 

which  admiration  breed ; 
His  wonders,  and  the  judgments  all 

which  from  his  mouth  proceed. 

6  O  ye  that  are  of  Abrah'm's  race, 

his  fervant  well  approv'n; 
And  ye  that  Jacob's  children  are, 
whom  he  choos'd  for  his  own. 

7  Becaufe  he,  and  he  only,  is 

the  mighty  Lord  our  God; 
And  his  moft  righteous  judgments  arc 
in  all  the  earth  abroad. 

8  His  covenant  he  rememb'red  hath, 

that  it  mav  ever  Hand : 
To  thoufand  generations 
the  word  he  did  command. 

9  Which  covenant  he  firmly  made 

with  faithful  Abraham, 

And  unto  Ilaac,  by  his  oath, 

he  did  renew  the  fame. 

10  And  unto  Jacob,  for  a  lawr, 

he  made  it  firm  and  fure, 
A  covenant  to  Ilrael, 
which  ever  fhould  endure. 

1 1  He  laid,  Til  give  Canaan's  land 

for  heritage  to  you  : 

While 


282  PSALM    CV. 

12  While  they  were  ftrangers  there,  and 

in  number  very  few.  (few, 

13  While  yet  they  went  from  land  to  land 

without  a  fure  abode; 
And  while,  through  fundry  kingdoms, 
did  wander  far  abroad.  (they 

14  Yet  notwithftanding  fuffer'd  he 

no  man  to  do  them  wrong : 
Yea,  for  their  fakes,  he  did  reprove 
kings,  who  were  great  and  ftrong. 

15  Thus  did  he  fay,  Touch  yenotthofe 

that  mine  anointed  be, 
Nor  do  the  prophets  any  harm 
that  do  pertain  to  me. 

16  He  callM  for  famine  on  the  land, 

he  brake  the  ftaff  of  bread. 

17  But  yet  he  fent  a  man  before, 

by  whom  they  fhould  be  fed : 
Ev'n  Jofeph,  whom  unnaturally 
fell  for  a  flave  did  they. 

1 8  Whofe  feet  with  fetters  they  did  hurt, 

and  he  in  irons  lay; 

19  Until  the  time  that  his  word  came 

to  gve  him  liberty  : 
The  word  and  purpofe  of  the  Lord 
did  him  in  prifon  try. 
2oThen  fent  the  king,  and  did  command 
that  he  enlarged  fhould  be : 

He 


PSALM    CV.  283 

He  that  the  people's  ruler  was, 
did  fend  to  fet  him  free. 

21  A  lord,  to  rule  his  family, 

he  raisM  him,  as  moft  fit; 
To  him  of  all  that  he  poflefsM 
he  did  the  charge  commit: 

22  That  he  might  at  his  pleafure  bind 

the  princes  of  the  land; 
And  he  might  teach  his  fenators 
wifdom  to  underftand. 

23  The  people  then  of  Ifrael 

down  into  Egypt  came: 
And  Jacob  alfo  fojourned 
within  the  land  of  Ham. 

24  And  he  did  greatly  by  his  pow'r 

increafe  his  people  there; 
And  ftronger  than  their  enemies 
they  by  his  bleffing  were. 

25  Their  heart  he  turned  to  envy 

his  folk  malicioufly, 
With  thofe  that  his  own  fervants  were 
to  deal  in  fubtlety. 

26  His  fervant  Moles  he  did  fend, 

Aaron  his  chofen  one. 

27  By  thefc  his  figns  and  wonders  great 

in  Ham's  land  were  made  known. 

28  Darknefs  he  fent,  and  made  it  dark: 

his  word  they  did  obey. 

29  He 


284  PSALM    CV. 

29  He  turn'd  their  waters  into  blood, 

and  he  their  fifh  did  flay. 

30  The  land  in  plenty  brought  forth 

in  chambers  of  their  kings,     (frogs 

3 1  His  word  all  forts  of  flies  and  lice 

in  all  their  borders  brings. 

32  He  hail  for  rain,  and  flaming  fire 

into  their  land  he  fent: 

3 3  And  he  their  vines  and  fig-trees  fmote 

trees  of  their  coafts  he  rent. 

34  He  fpake,  and  caterpillars  came, 

locufts  did  much  abound ;    (fum'd, 

35  Which  in  their  land  all  herbs  con- 

and  all  fruits  of  their  ground. 

36  He  fmote  all  firft-born  in  their  land, 

chief  of  their  ftrength  each  one. 
3 7 With  gold  &filver  brought  them  forth 

weak  in  their  tribes  were  none. 
3  8  Egypt  was  glad  when  forth  they  w^ent 

their  fear  on  them  did  light. 
39  He  fpread  a  cloud  for  covering, 

a  fire  to  fhine  by  night. 
4oThey  afk'd,&  he  brought  quails:  with 

of  heav'n  he  filled  them,      (bread 

41  He  op'ned  rocks,  floods  gufh'd  and 

in  deferts  like  a  ftream.  (ran 

42  For  on  his  holy  promife  he, 

and  fervant  Abraham,  thought. 

43  With 


PSALM    CV.  285 

43  With  joy  his  people,  his  elect 

with  gladnefs  forth  he  brought, 

44  And  unto  them  the  pleafant  lands 

he  of  the  heathen  gave : 
That  of  the  people's  labour  they 
inheritance  might  have. 

45  That  they  his  ftatutes  might  obferve 

according  to  his  word: 
And  that  they  might  his  laws  obey- 
Give  praife  unto  the  Lord. 

P  S  A  L  ]f    CVI. 

We  muil  give  glory  to  God  by  making  confcfiion.  not  only  of 
his  goodnefs,  but  our  own  badnels,  which  tfrve  as  foils  to 
each  other :  our  badnefs  makes  his  goodnefs  appear  the 
more  illuflrions,  as  his  goodnefs  makes  our  badnefs  the 
more  heinous  and  fcandalous.  The  foregoing  pfalm  was  3 
hiftory  of  God's  goodnefs  to  If.ael:  this  is  a  hiftory  ef  their. 
rebellions  and  provocations,  and  yet  it  begins  and  ends 
with  hallelujah ;  for  even  forrow  for  iin  muft  not  put  us  out 
of  tune  for  praifing  God.  Some  think  it  was  penned  a:  the 
time  of  the  captivity  in  Babylon,  and  the  difpcrfion  of  the 
Jewifh  nation  thereupon,  becaufe  of  that  prayer  in  the  clofe, 
verf.  47.  I  rather  think  it  was  penned  by  David,  at  the 
fame  time  with  the  foregoing  pfalm,  becaufe  we  nnd  the 
firft  verie  and  the  two  lait  in  that  pfalm,  which  David  deli- 
vered to  Afaph,  at  the  bringing  up  of  the  ark  to  the  place 
he  had  prepared  for  it,  I  Chron.  xvi.  34.  $5.  36.  ■  Gather 
'  us  from  among  the  heathen  ;'  for,  we  may  fuppofe,  in 
Saul's  time,  there  was  a  great  difperfion  of  pious  Israelites, 
when  David  was  forced  to  wander.  In  the  pfaim,  we  have, 
(I.)  The  preface  to  the  narrative,  fpeaking  honour  to  God, 
verf.  1.  2.  ;  comfort  to  the  faints,  verf.  3.  ;  and  the  deft  re  of 
the  faithful  towards  God's  favour,  verf.  4.  5  [%.)  The  nar- 
rative itfelfofthe  fms  of  lfrael,  aggravated  by  the  great 
things  God  did  for  them,  an  account  of  whk«  is  in:. 
ed»  Their  provocations  at  the  Red  fea.  vcri.  6. — 15. ;  lim- 
ing, verf.  13.  14.  15.;  mutinying,  verf  16  17.  l3.  ;  wor- 
(hiping  the  golden  calf,  verf.  19. — 23.  murmuring,  verf.  24, 
57.  ;  joning  themfelvcs  to  Baal-peor,  verf.  28. — 51.  ;  quar- 
relling with  RJbfei,  verf.  3;.  33.:  incorporating  thei 

with 


286         PSALM    CVI. 

with  the  nations  of  Canaan,  verf.  34. — 39.;  to  which  ti 
added,  an  account  how  God  had  rebuked  them  for  their 
fins,  and  yet  faved  them  from  ruin,  verf.  40. — 46.  (3.) 
The  conelufjou  of  the  pfalm  with  prayer  and  praife,  verf. 
47.  4S.  It  may  be  of  ufe  to  us  to  fingthis  pfalm,  that  bein$ 
put  in  mind  by  it  of  our  fins,  the  fins  of  our  land,  and  the 
fins  of  our  fathers,  we  may  be  humbled  before  God,  and  yet 
notdefpair  of  mercy,  which  even  rebellious  Ifrael  often  found 
with  God. 

GIVE  praife  and  thanks  unto  the 
for  bountiful  is  he,  (Lord, 

His  tender  mercy  doth  endure 
unto  eternity. 

2  God's  mighty  works  who  can  exprefs? 

or  (hew  forth  all  his  praife  ? 

3  Blefled  are  they  that  judgment  keep, 

and  juftly  do  always. 

4  Remember  me,  Lord,  with  that  love, 

which  thou  to  thine  doft  bear ; 
With  thy  falvation,  O  my  God, 
to  viiit  me  draw  near: 

5  That  I  thy  chofens  good  may  fee, 

and  in  their  joy  rejoice  : 
And  may  with  thine  inheritance 
triumph  with  cheerful  voice. 
£  We  with  our  fathers  finned  have, 
and  of  iniquity 
Too  long  we  have  the  workers  been, 
we  have  done  wickedly. 
7  The  wonders  great,  which  thou,  O 
didft  work  in  Egypt  land,       (Lord, 

Our 


PSALM    CVI.  287 

Our  fathers,  though  they  faw,  yet  them 
they  did  not  underftand : 

And  they  thy  mercies  multitude 
kept  not  in  memory, 

But  at  the  fea,  ev'n  the  Red  fea, 
provok'd  him  grievoufly. 

8  Neverthelefs  he  faved  them, 

ev'n  for  his  own  name's  fake: 
That  fo  he  might  to  be  well  known 
his  mighty  power  make. 

9  When  he  the  Red  fea  did  rebuke, 

then  dried  up  it  was : 
Through  deeps,  as  through  the  wilder- 
he  fafely  made  them  pafs.      (nefs, 

10  From  hands  of  thofe  that  hated  them 

he  did  his  people  fave: 
And  from  the  en'mies  cruel  hand 
to  them  redemption  gave. 

1 1  The  waters  overwhelm'd  their  foes; 

not  one  was  left  alive. 

12  Then  they  believ'd  his  word,  and 

to  him  in  fongs  did  give.      (praife 

13  But  foon  did  they  his  mighty  works 

forget  unthankfully, 
And  on  his  counfel  and  his  will 
did  not  wait  patiently : 

14  But  much  did  luft  in  wiidernefs, 

and  God  in  defert  tempt. 

15  He 


*88  PSALM    CVL 

1 5  He  gave  them  what  they  fought,  but 

their  foul  he  leannefs  fent.         (to 

1 6  And  againft  Mofes,  in  the  camp, 

their  envy  did  appear ; 
At  Aaron  they,  the  faint  of  God, 
envious  alio  were. 

1 7  Therefore  the  earth  did  open  wide, 

and  Dathan  did  devour, 
And  all  Abiram's  company 
did  cover  in  that  hour. 

1 8  Likewife  among  their  company 

a  fire  was  kindled  then; 
And  fo  the  hot  confuming  flame 
burnt  up  thofe  wicked  men. 

19  Upon  the  hill  of  Horeb  they 

an  idol-calf  did  frame, 
A  molten  image  they  did  make, 
and  worfhipped  the  fame. 

20  And  thus  their  glory,  and  their  God* 

moft  vainly  changed  they 
Into  the  likenefs  of  an  ox 
that  eateth  grafs  or  hay. 

2 1  They  did  forget  the  mighty  God 

that  had  their  Saviour  been, 
By  whom  fuch  great  things  brought  to 
they  had  in  Egypt  feen.  (pafs 

2 2lnHam*s  land  he  did  wondrous  works 
things  terrible  did  he, 

When 


PSALM    CVI.  289 

When  he  his  mighty  hand  and  arm 
ftretch'd  out  at  the  Red  fea. 

23  Then  faid  he,  He  would  them  deftroy, 

had  not,  his  wrath  to  flay, 
His  chofen  Mofes  flood  in  breach, 
that  them  he  fhould  not  flay. 

24  Yea,  they  defpis'd  the  pleafant  land, 

believed  not  his  word: 

25  But  in  their  tents  they  murmured, 

not  hearkening  to  the  Lord. 

26  Therefore  in  defer  t,  them  to  flay, 

he  lifted  up  his  hand : 
2  7'Mong  nations  to  o'erthrow  their  feed, 
and  fcatter  in  each  land. 

28  They  unto  Baal-peor  did 

themfelves  alfociate; 
The  facrifices  of  the  dead 
they  did  profanely  eat. 

29  Thus,  by  their  lewd  inventions, 

they  did  provoke  his  ire; 
And  then  upon  them  fuddenly 
the  plague  brake  in  as  fire. 

30  Then  Phineas  rofe,  and  jurtice  did; 

and  fo  the  plague  did  ceafe: 

31  That  to  all  ages  counted  was 

to  him  for  righteou fuels. 

32  And  at  the  waters  where  they  drove, 

thev  did  him  angrv  make, 

T  In 


29o  P  S  A  L  M    CVI. 

In  ilich  fort,  that  it  fared  ill 
with  Mofes  for  their  fake: 

33  Eecaufe  they  there  his  fpirit  meek 

provoked  bitterly, 
So  that  he  utter'd  with  his  lips 
words  imadvifedly. 

34  Nor,  as  the  Lord  commanded  them* 

did  they  the  nations  flay: 
2,5  But  with  the  heathen  mingled  were, 

and  learn'd  of  them  their  way. 
3  6  And  they  their  idols  ferv'd,  which  did 

a  fnare  unto  them  turn. 

37  Their  fons  and  daughters  they  to  de- 

in  facrifice  did  burn.  (v'ls 

38  In  their  own  childrensguiltlefs blood 

their  hands  they  did  imbrue, 
Whom  to  Canaan's  idols  they 

for  facrifices  flew : 
So  was  the  land  defil'd  with  blood. 

39  They  ftain'd  with  their  own  way. 
And  with  their  own  inventions 

a-whoring  they  did  ftray. 

40  Againft  his  people  kindled  was 

the  wrath  of  God  therefore, 
Infomuch  that  he  did  his  own 
inheritance  abhor, 

4 1  He  gave  them  to  the  heathen's  hand; 

their  i  im  command. 

42  Their 


PSALM    CVI.  291 

42  Their  en'mies  them  opprefs'd,  they 

madefubjccl  to  their  hand,      (were 

43  He  many  times  delivered  them; 

but  with  their  counfel  fo 
They  him  provok'd,  that  for  their  fin 
they  were  brought  very  low. 

44  Yet  their  affliction  he  beheld, 

when  he  did  hear  their  cry : 

45  And  he  for  them  his  covenant 

did  call  to  memory: 
After  his  mercies  multitude 

46  He  did  repent:  and  made 
Them  to  be  pity'd  of  all  thofe 

who  did  them  captive  lead. 

47  O  Lord  our  God,  us  fave,  and  gather 

the  heathen  from  among, 
That  we  thy  holy  name  may  praife 
in  a  triumphant  fong. 

48  Blefs'd  be  Jehovah,  Ifr'ePs  God, 

to  all  eternity: 
Let  all  the  people  fay,  Amen. 
Praife  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

PSALM    CVII. 

The  pfalmift  having,  in  the  two  foregoing  pfalms,  celebrated 
the  wifdom,  power,  and  goodnefs  of  God  in  his  dealings 
with  his  church  in  particular,  here  obferves  fome  of  the  in- 
ftanccs  of  his  providential  care  of  the  children  of  men  in 
general,  especially  in  their  difrrelTes;  for  he  is  not  only 
King  of  faints,  but  King  of  nations,  net  only  the  God  nf 
Ifracl,  hut  the  God  of  the  whole  earth,  and  a  common  Fa- 
ther to  all  mankind.  Though  this  may  efpecially  refer  to 
T  2  IfracHtcs 


292        PSALM    CVII. 

Israelites  in  their  perfonal  capacity,  yet  there  were  thofr 
that  pertained  not  to  the  commonwealth  of  Ifrael,  and  yet 
were  worfhippers  of  the  true  God;  and  even  thofe  that  wor- 
shipped images,  yet  had  fome  knowledge  of  a  fupreme  Nu- 
men,  to  whom,  when  they  were  in  earneft,  they  looked  a- 
bove  alt  their  falfe  Gods.  And  of  thefe,  when  they  prayed 
in  their  diftrefks,  God  tock  a  particular  care,  (I.)  He  in- 
ftancesinfomeof  the  mofr  common  calamities  of  human  life; 
and  Ihews  how  God  fuccours  thofe  that  labour  under  them, in 
anfwer  to  their  prayers,  z.  Banifhment  and  difperfion,  verf. 
I. — 9.  2.  Captivity  and  imprifonment,  verf.  10. — 16.  3. 
Sick  nets  anddiftemper  of  body,  verf.  17. — 22.  4.  Danger 
and  diftrefsat  fea,  verf.  23.  to  32.  And  thefe  are  put  for 
all  the  like  perils,  in  which  thofe  that  cry  unto  God  have 
ever  found  him  a  very  prefenthelp.  (2.)  He  inftanceth  in 
the  varieties  and  viciflitudes  of  events,  concerning  nations 
and  families;  in  all  which  God's  hand  is  to  be  eyed  by  his 
own  people,  with  joyful  acknowledgments  of  his  goodnefs, 
verf.  33.— 43-  When  we  are  in  any  of  thefe,  or  the  like 
difTrefles,  it  will  be  comfortable  to  ling  thispfalm  with  ap- 
plication; but  if  we  he  not,  others  are  and  have  been,  cf 
whofe  deliverance  it  becomes  us  to  give  God  the  glory,  for 
we  are  members  one  of  another. 

PRAISE  God,  for  he  is  good :  for  ftili 
his  mercies  lading  be. 

2  Let  God's  redeem'd  fay  fo,  whom  he 

from  th'  en'my's  hand  did  free : 

3  And  gathered  them  out  of  the  lands, 

from  north,  fouth,  eaft,  and  weft. 

4  They  ftray'd  in  deferts  pathlefs  way, 

no  city  found  to  reft. 

5  For  thirft  and  hunger  in  them  faints 

6  their  foul.  When  ftraits  them  prefs. 
They  cry  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 

them  frees  from  their  diftrefs* 

7  Them  alfo  in  a  way  to  walk, 

that  right  is,  he  did  guide, 

That 


PSALM    CVIL        293 

That  they  might  to  a  city  go, 
wherein  they  might  abide. 

8  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praife,  for  his  goodnefs,  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  fons  of  men  ! 

9  For  he  the  foul  that  longing  is, 

doth  fully  fatisfy, 
With  goodnefs  he  the  hungry  foul 
doth  fill  abundantly. 

10  Such  as  fliut  up  in  darknefs  deep, 

and  in  death's  fhade  abide, 
Whom  ftrongly  hath  affliction  bound, 
and  irons  fail  have  ty'd : 

1 1  (Becaufe  againft  the  word  of  God 

they  wrought  rebellioufly, 
And  they  the  counfel  did  contemn 
of  him  that  is  moft  high:)      (grief, 
I  2  Their  heart  he  did  bring  down  with 
they  fell,  no  help  could  have. 

13  In  trouble  then  they  cry'd  to  God, 

he  them  from  ftraits  did  fave. 

14  He  out  of  darknefs  did  them  bring, 

and  from  death's  fhade  them  take: 

Thofe  bands  wherewith  they  had  been 

afunder  quite  he  brake,      (bound, 

15  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praife,  for  his  goodnefs,  then, 

And 


294        PSALM    CVII. 

And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  fons  of  men ! 

1 6  Becaufe  the  mighty  gates  of  brafs 

in  pieces  he  did  tear, 
By  him  in  funder  alfo  cut 
the  bars  of  iron  were.  \ 

17  Fools,  for  their  fin,  and  their  offence, 

do  fore  affli&ion  bear. 

1 8  All  kind  of  meat  their  foul  abhors, 

they  to  death's  gates  draw  near. 

19  In  grief  they  cry  to  God,  he  faves 

them  from  their  miferies.     (them 

20  He  fends  his  word,  them  heals,  and 

from  their  definitions  frees. 

2 1  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praife,  for  his  goodnefs,  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  fons  of  men ! 

22  And  let  them  facrifice  to  him 

, offerings  of  thankfulnefs, 
And  let  them  fhew  abroad  his  works 
in  fongs  of  joyfulnefs. 

23  Who  go  to  fea  in  fhips,  and  in 

great  waters  trading  be, 

24  Within  the  deep  thefe  men  God's 

and  his  great  wronders  fee.  (works 

25  For  he  commands,  and  forth  in  hafte 

the  ftormy  tempeft  flies, 

Which 


P  S  A  L  M    CVII.         205 

V.  Hi  ch  makes  the  fea  with  rolling  wa\  e  s 

aloft  to  fwell  and  rife.        (depths 
2     ^hey  mount  to  heav'n,  then  to  the 

they  do  go  down  again; 
Their  foul  doth  faint,  and  melt  away 
ith  trouble  and  with  pain. 
2  7  They  reel  and  ftagger  like  one  drunk, 

at  their  wits  end  they  be: 
2S  Then  they  to  God  in  trouble  cry, 

who  them  from  ftraits  doth  free. 

29  The  florin  is  changM  into  a  calm, 

at  his  command  and  will, 
So  that  the  waves  which  rag'd  before, 
now  quiet  are  and  Hill. 

30  Then  are  they  glad,  becaufe  at  reft 

and  quiet  now  they  be ; 
So  to  the  haven  he  them  brings, 
which  they  defir'd  to  fee. 

31  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praife,  for  his  goodnefs,  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  fons  of  men  ! 

32  Among  the  people  gathered, 

let  them  exalt  his  name; 
Among  affembled  elders  fpread 
his  moft  renowned  fame. 
^^  He  to  dryland  turns  water-fprings, 
and  floods  to  wildcrnefs; 

34  For 


296        PSALM    CVIL 

34  For  fins  of  thofe  that  dwell  therein, 

fat  land  to  barrennefs. 

35  The  burnt  and  parched  wildernefs 

to  water-pools  he  brings, 
The  ground  that  was  dry 'd  up  before, 
he  turns  to  water-fprings. 

36  And  there,  for  dwelling,  he  a  place 

doth  to  the  hungry  give, 
That  they  a  city  may  prepare 
commodioufly  to  live. 

37  There  fow  they  fields,  and  vineyards 

to  yield  fruits  of  increafe.     (plant, 

38  His  bleffing  makes  them  multiply, 

lets  not  their  beafts  decreafe. 

39  Again  they  are  diminiihed, 

and  very  low  brought  down, 
Through  forrow  and  affliction, 

and  great  oppreffion. 
4.0  He  upon  princes  pours  contempt, 

and  caufeth  them  to  ftray, 
And  wander  in  a  wTildernefs, 

wherein  there  is  no  way. 

41  Yet  fetteth  he  the  poor  on  high 

from  all  his  miferies, 
And  he,  much  like  unto  a  flock, 
doth  make  him  families. 

42  They  thatare  righteous  fhall  rejoice, 

when  they  the  fame  fhall  fee; 

And, 


PSALM    CVIII.         297 

And,  as  afhamed,  flop  her  mouth 

fhall  all  iniquity. 
43  Whofo  is  wife,  and  will  thefe  things 

obferve,  and  them  record, 
Ev'n  they  fhall  underftand  the  love 

and  kindneis  of  the  Lord. 

PSALM    CVIII. 

This  pfalm  begins  with  praife,  and  concludes  with  prayer, 
and  faith  is  at  work  in  boih.  (1.)  David  here  gives  thanks 
to  God  for  mercies  to  himklf,  verf.  1.  5.  (2.)  He  prays 
to  God  for  mercies  for  the  land,  pleading  the  promifes  of 
God,  and  putting  them  in  fuit,  verf.  6. — 13.  The  former 
part  is  taken  out  of  Pfal.  Ivii.  7.  &c.  the  latter  out  of  Pfal. 
lx.  5.  &c.  and  both  with  very  little  variation  ;  to  teach  us, 
that  we  may,  in  prayer,  ufe  the  fame  words  that  we  have 
formerly  ufed,  provided  it  be  with  new  affections.  It  inti- 
mates likewife  that  it  is  not  only  allowable,  but  fometimes 
convenient,  to  gather  fome  verfes  out  of  one  pfalm,  and 
fome  out  of  another,  and  to  put  them  together  to  be  fnng 
to  the  glory  of  God.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  mud  give 
glory  to  God,  and  take  comfort  to  ourfelves, 

A  fong  cr  pfalm  of  David. 

MY  heart  is  fix'd,  Lord,  I  will  fing, 
and  with  my  glory  praife. 
•2  Awake  up,  pfaltery  and  harp, 
myfelf  I'll  early  raife. 

3  I'll  praife  thee  'mong  the  people,  Lord, 

'mong  nations  fing  will  I. 

4  For  above  heav'n  thy  mercy's  great, 

thy  truth  doth  reach  the  fky. 

5  Be  thou  above  the  heavens,  Lord, 

exalted  glorioufly: 

Thy 


298        PSA  L  M    CVIII. 

Thy  glory  all  the  earth  above 
be  lifted  up  on  high. 

6  That  thofe  who  thy  beloved  are, 

delivered  may  be : 
O  do  thou  fave  with  thy  right  hand, 
and  anfwer  give  to  me. 

7  God  in  his  holinefs  hath  faid, 

Herein  I  will  take  pleafure, 
Schechem  I  will  divide,  and  forth 
will  Succoth's  valley  meafure. 

8  Gilead  I  claim  as  mine  by  right, 

Manaffeh  mine  lhall  be, 
Ephra'm  is  of  my  head  the  ftrength, 
Judah  gives  laws  for  me. 

9  Moab's  my  wafhing-pot,  my  (hoe 

I'll  over  Edom  throw: 
Over  the  land  of  Paleftine 
I  will  in  triumph  go. 
ioO  who  is  he  will  bring  me  to 
the  city  fortify'd  ? 
O  who  is  he  that  to  the  land 
of  Edom  will  me  guide  ? 

1 1  O  God,  thou  wTho  hadft  caft  us  oft, 

this  thing  wilt  thou  not  do? 
And  wilt  not  thou,  ev'n  thou,  O  God, 
forth  with  our  armies  go  ? 

12  Do  thou  from  trouble  give  us  help: 

for  helplefe  is  man's  aid. 

13  Through 


P  S  A  L  M    CIX.  299 

13  Through  God  we  fhall  do  valiantly: 
our  foes  he  ihall  down  tread. 

P  S  A  L  M    CIX. 

Whether  David  penned  t  n  when  he   was  perfecuted 

by  Saul,  or  when  his  ion  Abialom  rebeihd  arainlt  hi:n,  or 
upon  occafion  of  fbihe  other  tiouhle  that  was  gwen  him,  is 
uncertain;  and  whether  the  particular  enemy  he  prays  a- 
gainfc  was  Saul,  or  Doeg,  or  Ahitophel,  or  fome  other  not 
mentioned  in  the  ftory,  we  cannot  determine  ;  but  it  is  cer- 
tain, that  in  penning  it  he  had  an  eye  to  Chriir,  his  {offer- 
ings ami  his  periecu:o:-s  for  that  imprecation,  verf.  S.  is 
appii.i  to  Judas,  Acts  i.  20.  And  the  reft  of  the  prayers 
hercagainft  His  enemies  were  the  exprcflions  not  of  paflion, 
but  of  the  fpirit  of  prophecy.  (1.)  He  lc-dgeth  a  complaint 
in  the  court  or  heaven,  of  the  nralice  and  hale  ingratitude  of 
his  enemies,  and  with  it  an  appeal  to  the  righteous  God, 
ver£  1. — 5.  (2.)  He  prays  a  gain  ft  his  enemies,  and  devotes 
them  to  deitructiort,  retf.  6.  to  20.  (3.)  Fie  prays  for  him- 
iclf,  that  God  would  help  and  fuecohr  him  in  his  lo-.v  con- 
dition, verf.  21. — 29.  (4.)  He  concludes  with  a  jtfyful  ex- 
pectation that  God  would  appear  for  him,  verf.  50.  31.  In 
h  malm,  we  mu'.t  comfort  ourfeives 
:  forefigbt  of  the  certain  dcftru<fiion  of  all  the  enemies 
ofChrift  and  his  church,  and  the  certain  falvatica  of  ail 
thoft  that  trult  in  God,  and  keep  clofe  to  him. 

To  the  ciii-'f  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

OThou  the  God  of  all  my  praife, 
do  thou  not  hold  thy  peace. 

2  For  mouths  of  wicked  men,  to  (peak 
againft  me,  do  not  ceafe; 

The  mouths  of  vile  deceitful  men 

againft  me  open'd  be: 
And  with  a  falie  and  lying  tongue 

they  have  accufed  me, 

3  They  did  befet  me  round  about 
with  words  of  hateful  fpite: 

And 


3oo  PSALM    CIX. 

And  though  to  them  no  caufe  I  gave, 
againft  me  they  did  fight. 

4  They  for  my  love  became  my  foes : 

but  I  me  fet  to  pray, 

5  Evil  for  good,  hatred  for  love, 

to  me  they  did  repay. 

6  Set  thou  the  wicked  over  him : 

and  upon  his  right  hand 
Give  thou  his  greateft  enemy, 
ev'n  Satan,  leave  to  ftand. 

7  And  when  by  thee  he  fhall  be  judg'd, 

let  him  condemned  be; 
And  let  his  pray'r  be  turn'd  to  fin, 
when  he  fhall  call  on  thee. 

8  Few  be  his  days,  and  in  his  room 

his  charge  another  take. 

9  His  children  let  be  fatherlefs, 

his  wife  a  widow  make. 
io  His  children  let  be  vagabonds, 
and  beg  continually : 
And,  from  their  places  defolate, 
feek  bread  for  their  fupply. 

1 1  Let  covetous  extortioners 

catch  all  he  hath  away : 
Of  all  for  which  he  laboured  hath 
let  ftrangers  make  a  prey. 

1 2  Let  there  be  none  to  pity  him : 

let  there  be  none  at  all 

That 


PSALM    CIX.  301 

That  on  his  children  fatherlefs 
will  let  his  mercy  fall. 

13  Let  his  pofterity  from  earth 

cut  off  for  ever  be, 
And  in  the  following  age  their  name 
be  blotted  out  by  thee. 

14  Let  God  his  father's  wickednefs 

ftill  to  remembrance  call: 
And  never  let  his  mother's  fin 
be  blotted  out  at  all. 

15  But  let  them  all  before  the  Lord 

appear  continually, 
That  he  may  wholly  from  the  earth 
cut  off  their  memory. 

16  Becaufe  he  mercy  minded  not, 

but  perfecuted  ftill 
The  poor  and  needy,  that  he  might 
the  broken  hearted  kill. 

17  As  he  in  curfing  pleafure  took, 

(o  let  it  to  him  fall : 
As  he  delighted  not  to  blefs, 
fo  blefs  him  not  at  all. 

1 8  As  curfing  he  like  cloaths  put  on ; 

into  his  bowels  fo, 
Like  water,  and  into  his  bones, 
like  oil,  down  let  it  go. 

19  Like  to  the  garment  let  it  be 

which  doth  himielf  arrav, 

And 


3o2  JP  S  A  L  M    CIX. 

And  for  a  girdle,  wherewith  he 
is  girt  about  alway. 

20  From  God  let  this  be  their  reward 

that  en'mies  are  to  me, 
And  their  reward,  that  fpeak  againft 
my  foul  malicioufly. 

21  But  do  thou,  for  thine  own  name's 

O  God  the  Lord,  for  me :       (fake, 
Sith  good  and  fweet  thy  mercv  is, 
from  trouble  fet  me  free. 

22  For  I  am  poor  and  indigent, 

afflicted  fore  am  I, 
My  heart  writhin  me  alfo  is 
wounded  exceedingly. 

23  I  pais  like  a  declining  {hade, 

am  like  the  locuft  toft. 

24  My  knees  through  fading  weakened 

my  fleih  hath  fatnefs  loft.      (are, 

25  I  alfo  am  a  vile  reproach 

unto  them  made  to  be : 
And  they  that  did  upon  me  look, 
did  fhake  their  heads  at  me. 

26  O  do  thou  help  and  fuccour  me, 

who  art  my  God  and  Lord : 
And,  for  thy  tender  mercies  fake, 
fafety  to  me  afford : 

27  That  thereby  they  may  know,  that 

is  thy  almighty  hand;  (this 

And 


PSALM    CIX.  303 

And  that  thou,  Lord,  haft  done  the  fame, 
they  may  well  under  (land.    (Lord, 

28  Although  they  curfe  with  foite,  yet, 
blefs  thou  with  loving  voice: 

Let  them  afhanVd  be  when  they  rile: 
thy  fervant  let  rejoice. 

29  Let  thou  mine  adverfaries  all 
with  fhame  be  clothed  over: 

And  let  their  own  conftifion 
them,  as  a  mantle,  cover. 

30  But  as  for  me,  I  with  my  mouth ' 
will  greatly  praife  the  Lord; 

And  I  among  the  multitude 
his  praifes  will  record. 

3 1  For  he  fhall  ftand  at  his  right  hand 
who  is  in  poverty, 

To  fave  him  from  al  i  thofe  that  would 
condemn  his  foul  to  die. 

P  S  A  L  M     CX. 

This  pfalm  is  pure  eofpel;   it  is  or-ly  and   wholly    concerning 
.  Memah,   promifed  to  the  faihers,  and  expected 
by  them;   it  is  plain   the  Je'A'S  of   eld.  even  the   wrorft  of 
,  io  underload  it,  however  tfre  modern  Jews  hare  en- 
ured to  pervert  it,  and   to  iob  us  of  it ;   for  when  the 
Lord   Jefus   propefed   a  qudtion  to  the  Pharifets  upon   ths 
pords  of  thrs  pfalm,  where  he  takes  it  for  granted,  tha: 
David  in  Spirit  calls  Chrift  his  Lord,  though   he   w^rc  his 
Son,  they  chore  rather  to  fay   nothing,  and  to  own  them- 
fdyes  gravelled,  than  to  make  it  a  quelHon,  whether  Pa  :  L 
I   fptz*  01    the  Mciaar,  or  no;    for  they  freely 
a  truth,  though   they  forfee  it   wHl  turn  to 
their  own  <j  a.,    iyx.     Of  kim   there- 

tie  prophet    net'. 

.  ui  our  Redeemer,  execute:  t  \a  F- 
fies 


304     ■     PSALM    CX. 

flee  of  a  Prophet,  of  a  Prieft,  and  of  a  King,  both  in  his 
Hate  of  humiliation  and  exaltation;  and  of  each  ofthefe  we 
have  here  an  account,  (i.)  His  prophetical  office,  verf,  2. 
(2.)  His  prieftly  office,  verf.  4.  (3.)  His  kingly  office,  verf. 
!•  3-  5*  6-  (4-)  His  cfrates  of humiliation  and  exaltation, 
verf.  7.  In  fmging  this  pfalm,  we  mult  adr  faith  upon 
Chrift,  fubrr.it  ourfelves  entirely  to  him,  to  his  grace  and 
government,  and  triumph  in  him  as  our  Prophet,  Prieft, 
and  King1,  by  whom  we  hope  to  be  ruled  and  taught,  and 
faved  forever;  and  as  the  Prophet,  Prieft,  and  King  of  the 
whole  church,  who  lhali  reign  till  he  has  put  down  all  op- 
pofing  rule,  principality  and  pjwer>  and  delivered  up  the 
kingdom  to  God  the  Father. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

TH  E  Lord  did  fay  unto  my  Lord, 
Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand, 
Until  I  make  thy  foes  a  ftool 
whereon  thy  feet  may  ftand. 

2  The  Lord  fhall  out  of  Zion  fend 

the  rod  of  thy  great  pow'r: 
In  midft  of  all  thine  enemies 
be  thou  the  governor. 

3  A  willing  people,  in  thy  day 

of  pow'r,  fhall  come  to  thee, 
In  holy  beauties  from  morn's  womb; 
thy  youth  like  dew  fhall  be. 

4  The  Lord  himfelf  hath  made  an  oath, 

and  w7ill  repent  him  never, 
Of  th5  order  of  Melchizedek 
thou  art  a  prieft  for  ever. 

5  The  glorious  and  mighty  Lord, 

that  fits  at  thy  right  hand, 

Shall, 


P  S  A  L  M    CXL  305 

Shall,  in  his  day  of  wrath,  ftrike  through 
kings  that  do  him  withftand. 

6  He  fhall  among  the  heathen  judge, 

he  (hall  with  bodies  dead 
The  places  fill:  o'er  many  lands 
he  wound  fhall  ev'ry  head. 

7  The  brook  that  runneth  in  the  way 

with  drink  fhall  him  fupply: 
And  for  this  caufe,  in  triumph  he 
fhall  lift  his  head  on  high. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXL 

This,  and  clivers  of  the  pfalms  that  follow  it,  ft  err.  to  have 
been  penned  by  David  for  the  fcivice  of  the  church,  in  their 
folemn  fealts,  and  not  upon  any  particular  occafion.  This 
is  a  pfalm  of  praife,  the  tit  le  of  it  is  Hallelujah,  Praife  ye 
the  Lord;  intimating,  that  we  mull  addreis  ourfelves  to  the 
ufe  of  this  pfalm,  with  hearts  difpofed  to  praife  God.  It  \i 
composed  alphabetically,  each  fentence  beginning  with  a  fe- 
verai  letter  of  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  in  order  exactly :  and 
two  fentences  to  each  verfe,  and  three  a-piece  to  the  two 
lad.  Thepfalmiil  exhorting  to  praife  God,  (1.)  Setshim- 
fclf  for  an  example,  verf.  1.  (2.)  Furnithes  us  with  mat- 
ter for  praife  from  the  works  of  God  :  1.  The  greatne-fs  of 
his  works,  and  the  glory  of  them.  %.  The  righteoufnels  of 
them.  3.  The  goodnels  of  them.  4.  The  power  of  them  . 
5.  The  conformity  of  them  to  his  word  of  promife.  6.  The 
perpetuity  of  them.  Tbefe  obfervatioiis  are  intermixed, 
verf.  2. — 9.  (3  )  He  reorn mends  the  holy  fear  of  God, 
and  conicientious  obedience  to  his  commands,  as  the  mod 
acceptable  way  of  praihng  God,  verf.   10. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.  With  my  whole 
I  will  God's  praife  declare,      (heart 
Where  the  affemblies  of  the  juft 
and  congregations  are. 

U  2  The 


3o6         P  S  A  L  M    CXI. 

2  The  whole  works  of  the  Lord  our  God, 

are  great  above  all  meafure, 
Sought  out  they  are  of  ev'ry  one 
that  do  therein  take  pleafure. 

3  His  work  mod  honourable  is, 

moil:  glorious  and  pure: 
And  his  untainted  righteoufnefs 
for  ever  doth  endure. 

4  His  works  moft  wonderful  he  hath 

made  to  be  thought  upon: 
The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  he  is 
full  of  compaffion. 

5  He  giveth  meat  unto  all  thofe 

that  truly  do  him  fear : 
And  evermore  his  covenant 
he  in  his  mind  will  bear. 

6  He  did  the  power  of  his  works 

unto  his  people  fhow, 
When  he  the  heathen's  heritage 
upon  them  did  beftow. 
j  His  handy-works  are  truth  and  right; 
all  his  commands  are  fure. 

8  And  done  in  truth  and  uprightnefs, 

they  evermore  endure. 

9  Lie  fent  redemption  to  his  folk, 

his  covenant  for  ay 
He  did  command :  holy  his  name 
and  rev'rent  is  alway. 

io  Wifdom's 


PSALM    CXII.        307 

10  Wifdom's  beginning  is  God's  fear: 
good  underftanding  they 
Have  all,  that  his  commands  fulfil: 
his  praife  endures  for  ay. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXII. 

This  pfalm  is  compufed  alfhabetilly  as  the  former  is,  and  i^ 
(like  the  former)  entitled,  Hallelujah  ;  though  it  treats  of 
the  happinefs  of  the  faints,  becaufe  it  redounds  to  the  glory 
of  God;  and  whaever  we  have  the  pleafure  of,  he  muit 
have  the  praife  of.  It  is  a  comment  upon  the  laft  verie  cf 
the  foregoing  pfalm,  and  fully  (be w  s.  hew  much  it  is  our 
wifdom  to  '  fear  God,  and  do  his  commandments.1  We  have 
here,  (1.)  The  character  of  t-.c  r  jrv.eous,  verf.  1.  (2.)  The 
hleiTdnefs  of  the  righteous.  [I  ]  There  is  a  bleffing  entailed 
on  their polleiity,  verf.  2.  [z  ]  There  is  a  biefllng  conferred 
upon  themfelves,  I.  Profpeiity  outward  and  inward  verf. 
3.  2.  Comfort  verf.  4.  3.  W&Iom,  verf.  5.  4.  Stability, 
verf.  6.  7.  3.  5.  Honour,  verf.  6.9.  (3.)  The  mifery  of 
the  wicked,  verf.  10.  So  that  here  is  good  and  evil  fet  before 
us,  the  bleding  and  the  curie.  In  fmg;ng  this  pfalm,  we 
mutt  not  only  teach  and  admonifh  ourfelves  and  one  another 
to  anfwer  the  characters  here  giver,  of  the  happy,  but  com- 
fort and  encourage  ou'felvcs  and  one  another,  with  the  pri- 
vilege and  comforts  here  fecured  to  the  holy. 

PRaife  ye  theLord.  The  man  is  blefs'd 
that  fears  the  Lord  aright, 
He  who  in  his  commandements 
doth  greatly  take  delight. 
1  His  feed  and  off-fpring  powerful 
fhall  be  the  earth  upon : 
Of  upright  men  blefled  fhall  be 
the  generation. 
3  Riches  and  wealth  fhall  ever  be 
within  his  houfe  in  ftore: 

U2  And 


3o8        PSALM    CXIL 

And  his  unfpotted  righteoufnefs 
endures  for  evermore. 

4  Unto  the  upright  light  doth  rife, 

though  he  in  darknefs  be: 
Companionate,  and  merciful, 
and  righteous  is  he. 

5  A  good  man  doth  his  favour  fhew% 

and  doth  to  others  lend ; 

He  with  difcretion  his  affairs 

will  guide  unto  the  end. 

6  Surely  there  is  not  any  thing 

that  ever  fhall  him  move : 
The  righteous  man's  memorial 
fhall  everlafting  prove. 

7  When  he  fhall  evil  tidings  hear* 

he  fhall  not  be  afraid: 
His  heart  is  fix'd,  his  confidence 
upon  the  Lord  is  ftay'd. 

8  His  heart  is  firmly  ftabliihed, 

afraid  he  fhall  not  be, 
Until  upon  his  enemies 
he  his  defire  ihall  fee. 

9  He  hath  difpers'd,  giv'n  to  the  poor; 

his  righteoufnefs  fhall  be 
To  ages  all;  with  honour  fhall 
his  horn  be  raifed  high. 
io  The  wicked  fhall  it  fee,  and  fret; 
his  teeth  gnafh,  melt  away: 

'  What 


PSALM    CXIII.         309 

What  wicked  men  do  mod  defire 
fhall  utterly  decay. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXIII. 

This  pfalm  begins  and    ends  with  Hallelujah;    I 

ntd  to   promte  the    £reat  and  good  work 
ofprainng  God.     i'i.)    Wc  are  here  calh  I  urged 

to  praife  Go.-l,   re  -       We   are  here   iurnirne<i 

matter  for  praffe,  and  w  mouths; 

in  Gnging  which,  we  rr.Lit,  with  hoJy  fear  and  love,    give  to 
God  the  glory  of  1.     The  e'L  ;•  and  great- 

ness, verf,  4,   5.     2.  The  col  c<    and 

goortnefs,  verf.  6. — 9.  which  very 
thcr,  that  we  may  be  duly  affected  with  I 

PRaife  God.  Ye  fervants  of  the  Lord, 
O  praife,  the  Lord's  name  praife. 

2  Yea,  blefled  be  the  name  of  God 

from  this  time  forth  always; 

3  From  rifmg  fun  to  where  it  lets, 

God's  name  is  to  be  prais'd. 

4  Above  all  nations  God  is  high, 

'bove  heav'n's  his  glory  rais'd. 

5  Unto  the  Lord  our  God,  that  dwells 

on  high,  who  can  compare  ? 

6  Himfelf  that  humbleth  things  to  fee 

in  heav'n  and  earth  that  are  ? 

7  He  from  the  duft  doth  raife  the  poor, 

that  very  low  doth  lie, 
And  from  the  dunehill  lifts  the  man 
opprefs'd  with  poverty: 

8  That  he  may  highly  him  advance, 

and  writh  the  princes  fet, 

With 


3io        PSALM    CXIV. 

With  thofe  that  of  his  people  are 
the  chief,  ev'n  princes  great. 
9  The  barren  woman  houfe  to  keep 
he  maketh,  and  to  be 

Of  fons  a  mother  full  of  joy. 
Praife  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

PSALM     CXIV. 

The  deliverance  of  Ifrael  out  of  Egypt  gave  birth  to  their 
church  and  nation,  which  were  then  founded,  then  formed; 
that  work  of  wonder  ought  therefore  to  be  had  in  everlafting 
remembrance:  God  gloried  in  it  in  the  preface  to  the  ten 
commandments,  and  Hof.  xi.  I.  '  Out  of  Egypt  have  I 
■  called  my  Son.'  In  this  pialm  it  is  celebrated  in  lively 
ftreams  of  praife;  it  was  fitly  therefore  made  a  part  of  the 
great  hallelujah, or  fong  of  praife,  which  the  Jews  were  wont  to 
ling  at  the  clofe  of  the  pallover  fupper.  It  muft  never  be 
forgotten,  (i.)  That  they  were  brought  out  of  flavery, 
verf.  I.  (4.)  That  3od  fet  up  his  tabernacle  among  thera, 
verf.  %.  (3.)  That  the  fea  and  Jordan  were  divided  before 
them,  verf.  3.  5.  (4.)  That  the  earth  (hook  at  the  giving 
the  law,  when  God  came  down  on  mount  Sinai,  verf.  4. 
6.  7.  (5.)  That  God  gave  them  water  out  of  the  rock,  verf. 
8»  In  fmging  this  pfaim,  we  muft  acknowledge  God's  power 
and  goodnefs  in  what  he  did  for  Ifrael,  applying  it  to  the 
much  greater  work  of  wonder,  our  redemption  by  Chrift, 
and  encouraging  ourielves  and  others,  to  truft  in  God  in 
the  greateft  ftrcights. 

WHEN  Ifr'el  out  of  Egypt  went, 
and  did  his  dwelling  change, 
When  Jacob's  houfe  went  out  from  thofe 

that  were  of  language  ftrange ; 
2  He  Judah  did  his  fan&uary, 
his  kingdom  Ifr'el  make. 
The  fea  it  faw,  and  quickly  fled; 
Jordan  was  driven  back. 

4  Like 


PSALM    CXV.         311 

4  Like  rams  the  mountains,  and  like 

the  hills  fkipp'd  to  and  fro.    (lambs 

5  Ofea, why fledd'ft thou?  Jordan, back 

why  waft  thou  driven  fo? 

6  Ye  mountains  great,  wherefore  was  it, 

that  ye  did  Ikip  like  rams  ? 

And  wherefore  was  it,  little  hills, 

that  ye  did  leap  like  lambs  ? 

7  O  at  the  prefence  of  the  Lord, 

earth,  tremble  thou  for  fear, 
While  as  the  prefence  of  the  God 
of  Jacob  doth  appear, 

8  Who  from  the  hard  and  ftony  rock 

did  (landing  water  bring, 
And  by  his  pow'r  did  turn  the  flint 
into  a  water-fpring. 

PSALM     CXV. 

Many  ancient  translations  join  this  pfalm  to  that  which  goes 
next  before  it,  the  Septuagint  particularly,  and  the  vulgar 
Latin;  hut  it  is  in  the  Hebrew  a  ^itlincl  pfalm.  In  it,  we 
are  taught  to  give  glory,  (1.)  To  God,  and  not  to  our- 
fclves,  verf.  I.  (2.)  To  God,  and  not  to  idols,  verf.  2. 
to  8.  We  rcuft  give  glory  to  God,  I.  By  trufting  in  him, 
and  in  his  promiie  and  hlelTing,  verf.  9. — 15.  2.  By  hlelT- 
ing  him,  verf.  16.  17.  iS.  Some  think  this  pfalm  was  pen- 
ned upon  occafion  of  Tome  great  diftrefs  and  trouble  that 
the  church  of  God  was  in,  when  the  enemies  were  infolent 
and  threatening,  in  which  cafe  the  church  cloth  not  fo 
much  pour  out  her  complaint  to  God,  as  place  her  confi- 
dence in  Gcd,  and  uiuiY;nh  in  doing  fo ;  and  with  fuch  an 
holy  triumph  v,e  onzhi  to  fng  this  plalm. 

NOT  unto  us,  Lord,  not  to  us, 
but  do  thou  glory  take 

Unto 


3i2        PSALM    CXV. 

Unto  thy  name,  ev'n  for  thy  truth, 
and  for  thy  mercy's  fake. 

2  O  wherefore  fhould  the  heathen  fay. 

Where  is  their  God  now  gone? 

3  But  our  God  in  the  heavens  is, 

what  pleas'd  him  he  hath  done. 

4  Their  idols  filver  are  and  gold 

work*  of  men's  hands  they  be. 

5  Mouths  have  they,  but  they  do  not 

and  eyes,  but  do  not  fee.       (fpeak ; 

6  Ears  have  they,  but  they  do  not  hear; 

nofes,  but  favour  not. 
y  Hands,  feet,  but  handle  not,  nor  walk; 
nor  fpeak  they  through  their  throat. 

8  Like  them  their  makers  are;  and  all 

on  them  their  truft  that  build. 

9  O  Ifr'el,  truft  thou  in  the  Lord : 

he  is  their  help  and  fhield. 
io  O  Aaron's  houfe,  truft  in  the  Lord : 
their  help  and  fhield  is  he. 

1 1  Ye  that  fear  God  truft  in  the  Lord : 

their  help  and  fhield  he'll  be. 

1 2  The  Lord  of  us  hath  mindful  been, 

and  he  will  blefs  us  ftill, 
He  will  the  houfe  of  Ifr'el  blefs, 
blefs  Aaron's  houfe  he  will. 

1 3  Both  fmall  and  great  that  fear  the 

he  will  them  furely  blefs.     (Lord, 

14  The 


P  S  J  L  M    CXVI.        313 

1 4 The  Lord  wi  II  you,  you  and  your  feed, 
ay  more  and  more  increafe. 

15  O  blefled  are  ye  of  the  Lord, 

who  made  the  earth  and  heav'n. 

^Theheav'i-^ev'nheav'nsareGod'sibut 
earth  to  men's  fons  hath  giv'n.  (he 

17  The  dead,  nor  who  to  iilence  go, 

God's  praiie  do  not  record. 

18  But  henceforth  we  for  ever  will 

blefs  God.     Praife  ye  the  Lord. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXVI. 

This  is  a  thankfgiving  pfalm  ;  it  is  not  certain,  whether  Da- 
vid penned  it  upon  any  particular  occafion,  or  upon  a  ge- 
neral review  of  the  mauy  gracious  deliverances  God  had 
wrought  for  him  out  of  fix  troubles,  and  feven,  from  which 
he  takes  rife  for  many  very  lively  exprefTions  of  devotion, 
love,  and  gratitude;  and  with  the  like  pious  affections  onr 
fouls  mould  be  lifted  up  to  God  in  tinging  it.  Obferve,  (1,) 
The  great  diftrefs  and  danger  that  the  pfalmift  was  in, 
which  a  1  molt  drove  him  to  defpair,  verf.  3.  ic.  II.  (2.) 
The  application  he  made  to  God  in  that  didrefs,  verf.  4. 
(3.)  1  he  experience  he  had  of  God's  goodnefs  to  him  in  au- 
iwer  to  prayer;  God  heard  him,  verf.  I.  2.;  pitied  him, 
verf.  5.  6.;  delivered  him,  verf.  8.  (4.)  His  care  what  ac- 
knowledgments be  Ihould  make  of  the  goodnefs  of  God  to 
him,  verf.  12.  1.  He  will  love  God,  verf.  1.  2.  He  will  con- 
tinue to  call  upon  him,  verf.  2.  13.  17.  3.  He  will  reft  in 
him,  verf.  7.  4.  He  will  walk  before  him,  verf.  9.  5.  He 
will  pay  his  vows  of  thankigiv-r  j,  in  which  he  will  own  the 
tender  regard  God  had  to  him.  and  this  puhlickly,  verf. 
13.  14.  15.  and  verf.  17.  iS.  10.  Luilly,  He  will  conti- 
nue God  s  faithful  fexvant  to  his  life's  and,  verf.  16.  Thefe 
r.re  fuch  breathings  of  a  holy  foul,  as  befpeak  it  very  happy. 

I  Love  the  Lord,  becaufe  my  voice 
and  prayers  he  did  hear. 

2  I,  while 


3i4        PSALM    CXVI. 

2  I,  while  I  live,  will  call  on  him, 

who  bowM  to  me  his  ear. 

3  Of  death  the  cords  and  forrows  did 

about  me  compafs  round, 
The  pains  of  hell  took  hold  on  me: 
I  grief  and  trouble  found. 

4  Upon  the  name  of  God  the  Lord 

then  did  I  call;  and  fay, 
Deliver  thou  my  foul,  O  Lord, 
I  do  thee  humbly  pray. 

5  God  merciful  and  righteous  is: 

yea,  gracious  is  our  Lord. 
6God  faves  the  meek:  I  was  brought  low, 

he  did  me  help  afford. 
j  O  thou  my  foul,  do  thou  return 

unto  thy  quiet  reft, 
For  largely,  lo,  the  Lord  to  thee 

his  bounty  hath  expreft. 

8  For  my  diftreffed  foul  from  death 

delivered  was  by  thee; 
Thou  didft  my  mourning  eyes  from  tears 
my  feet  from  falling  free. 

9  I  in  the  land  of  thofe  that  live 

will  walk  the  Lord  before. 
io  T  did  believe,  therefore  I  fpake: 

I  was  afflicted  fore. 
ill  laid,  when  I  was  in  my  hafte, 

that  all  men  liars  be. 

1 2  What 


PSALM    CXVII.         3 1  ? 

12  What  fliall  I  render  to  the  Lord, 

for  all  his  gifts  to  me? 

13  I'll  of  falvation  take  the  cup 

on  God's  name  will  I  call. 

14  I'll  pay  my  vows  now  to  the  Lord, 

before  his  people  all. 

1 5  Dear  in  God's  light  is  his  faints  death. 

16  Thy  fervant,  Lord,  am  I, 

Thy  fervant  fure,  thine  handmaid's  fon: 

my  bands  thou  didft  untie. 
1  7  Thank-off 'rings  I  to  thee  will  give, 

and  on  God's  name  will  call. 
18  I'll  pay  my  vows  now  to  the  Lord, 

before  his  people  all : 
1 9\Vithin  the  courts  of  God's  own  houfe 

within  the  midft  of  thee, 
O  city  of  Jerufalem. 

Praife  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

P  S  A  L  M     CXVIL 

This  pfaim  is  ihort  and  fweet;  I  doubt  the  reafon  v.  hy  we 
it  Co  oft  as  we  do  is  for  the  fhortr.cf;  of  it  ;  but  if  we 
rightly  understood  and  con  fide  red  it,  we  would  ling  it  oft- 
ner  for  the  iweetnefs  of  it,  cfpcciaUy  to  us  finners  of  the 
Gentiles,  on  whom  it  cads  a  very  favourable  eye.  llzrs  is, 
(1.  A  foleom  call  to  all  nations  to  praife  God,  verf.  1. 
[■%.)  Proper  matter  for  that  praife  fugjeflfd,  vol",  z.  Wc 
are  focn  wear,-  indeed  of  wcii-doir.j,  it  in  finging  this  plain, 
we  keep  not  up  thofe  pious  and  devout  attectiens  with 
which  the  fpirituaJ  iacrific<  of  praife  cv.rht  to  be  kJ 
and  kept  burn: 

Give  ye  praife  unto  the  Lord, 
all  nations  that  be: 

Likewiie, 


3i6       PSALM    CXV1IL 

Likewife,  ye  people  all,  accord 

his  name  to  magnify. 
2  For  great  to  us-ward  ever  are 

his  loving  kindncffes : 
His  truth  endures  for  evermore. 

The  Lord  O  do  ye  blefs. 

PSALM    CXVIII. 

It  is  probable  David  penned  this  pfalm  when  he  had,  after 
many  a  (term,  weathered  his  point  at  laft,  and  gained  a 
full  pofTeflion  of  the  kingdom  to  which  he  had  been  anointed. 
He  then  invites  and  ftirs  up  his  friends  to  join  with  him, 
not  only  in  a  cheerful  acknowledgment  of  God's  goodnefs, 
and  a  cheerful  dep  en  dance  upon  that  goodnefs  for  the  fu- 
ture, but  in  a  believing  expectation  of  the  promifed  Mel- 
t3Ahv  of  whofe  kingdom,  and  his  exaltation  to  it,  his  were 
typical  :  to  him,  it  is  certain,  the  prophet  here  bears  wit- 
nefs  in  the  latter  part  of  the  pfalm;  Chrift  himfelf  applies 
it  to  himfelf,  Matth.  xxi.  42.  and  the  former  part  of  the 
pfalm  may  fairly,  and  without  forcing,  be  accomodated  to 
Jum  and  his  undertaking.  Some  think  it  was  firft  calculated 
for  the  folcmnity  of  the  bringing  of  the  ark  to  the  city  of 
David,  and  was  afterwards  dwg.  at  the  feaft  of  tabernacles. 
Jn  it,  (l  )  David  calls  upon  all  about  him,  to  give  to  God 
the  glory  of  his  goodnefs,  verf.  1. — 4.  (2.)  He  encourag- 
eth  himfelf  and  others  to  troft  in  God,  from  the  experience 
he  had  had  of  God's  power  and  pity  in  the  great  and  kind 
things  he  had  done  for  him,  verf.  5. — 18.  (3  J  He  gives 
thanks  for  his  advancement  to  the  throne,  as  it  was  a  fi- 
gure of  the  exaltation  of  Chrift,  verf.  19.  to  23.  (4.)  The 
people,  the  priells.  and  the  pfalmilt  himfelf,  triumph  in 
the  profpeS:  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  rerf,  24. — 29.  In 
Tinging  this  pfalm,  we  mui!  glorify  God  for  his  goodnefs  to 
us,  and  efpecially  his  goodnefs  to  us  in  Jefiis  Chrift. 

Praife  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good : 
his  mercy  lafteth  ever. 
2  Let  thofe  of  Ifrael  now  fay, 
His  mercy  failetK  never. 

3  Now 


P  S  A  L  M    CXVIII.       317 

3  Now  let  the  houfe  of  Aaron  fay, 

his  mercy  lafteth  ever. 

4  Let  thole  that  fear  the  Lord  now  fay, 

his  mercy  faileth  never. 

5  I  in  diftrefs  call'd  on  the  Lord: 

the  Lord  did  anfwer  me. 
He  in  a  large  place  did  me  fet, 
from  trouble  made  me  free. 

6  The  mighty  Lord  is  on  my  fide, 

I  will  not  be  afraid ; 
For  any  thing  that  man  can  do, 
I  fhall  not  be  difmay'd. 

7  The  Lord  doth  take  my  part  with  them 

that  help  to  fuccour  me; 
Therefore  on  thofe  that  do  me  hate 
I  my  defire  fhall  fee. 

8  Better  it  is  to  truft  in-God, 

than  truft  in  man's  defence. 

9  Better  to  truft  in  God,  than  make 

princes  our  confidence. 

10  The  nations  joining  all  in  one, 

did  compafs  me  about : 
But  in  the  Lord's  moft  holy  name 
I  fhall  them  all  root  out. 

1 1  They  compafs'd  me  about,  I  fay, 

they  compafs'd  me  about: 
But  in  the  Lord's  moft  holy  name 
I  fhall  them  all  root  out. 

12  Like 


3i  8       PSALM    CXVIII. 

1 2  Like  bees  they  compafs'd  me  about, 

like  unto  thorns  that  flame 
They  quenched  are :  for  them  fhall  I 
deftroy  in  God's  own  name. 

1 3  Thou  fore  haft  thruft,that  I  might  fall: 

but  my  Lord  helped  me. 

14  Gcd  my  falvation  is  become, 

My  ftrength  and  fong  is  he. 

15  In  dwellings  of  the  righteous 

is  heard  the  melody 
Of  joy  and  health:  the  Lord's  right 
doth  ever  valiantly.  (hand 

16  The  right  hand  of  the  mighty  Lord 

exalted  is  on  high: 
The  right  hand  of  the  mighty  Lord 
doth  ever  valiantly. 
I  j  I  fhall  not  die,  but  live,  and  fhall 
the  works  of  God  difcover. 

18  The  Lord  hath  me  chaftifed  fore: 

but  not  to  death  giv'n  over. 

1 9  O  fet  ye  open  unto  me 

the  gates  of  righteoufnefs : 

Then  will  I  enter  into  them, 

And  I  the  Lord  will  blefs. 

20  This  is  the  gate  of  God,  by  it 

the  juft  fhall  enter  in. 

21  Thee  will  I  praife,   for  thou   me 

and  haft  my  fafety  been,  (heard'ft, 

22  That 


PSALM    CXVIII.       319 

2  2  That  ftone  is  made  head  corner-itone, 
which  builders  did  defpife. 

23  This  is  the  doing  of  the  Lord, 

and  wondrous  in  our  eyes. 

24  This  is  the  day  God  made,  in  it 

we'll  joy  triumphantly. 

25  Save  now,  I  pray  thee,  Lord :  I  pray 

fend  now  profperity. 

26  Blefled  is  he,  in  God's  great  name, 

that  cometh  us  to  fave : 
We,  from  the  houie  which  to  the  Lord 
pertains,  you  bleffed  have. 

27  God  is  the  Lord,  who  unto  us 

hath  made  light  to  arife ; 
Bind  ve  unto  the  altar's  horns, 
'  with  cords,  the  facrifice. 

28  Thou  art  my  God,  I'll  thee  exalt; 

my  God,  I  will  the  praiie, 

29  Give  thanks  to  God  for  he  is  good ; 

his  mercy  lafts  always. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXIX. 

This  is  a  plalm  by  itfelf,  like  none  of  the  reft;   it 
all,  and  fnines  brighteft  in  this    couiteilation. 
longer  than  any  of  them  ;  more  than  t  ft  ice  as  lone  zs  any 
of  them.  It  is  not  making  long  prayers  *hat  Cl 
but    making   rhem  for   a  preteqee  ;   which  intimates,   that 
they  are  in  themfelves  good  and  commendable.    It  teems  to 
me  to  be  a  collection  of  David's   pious  and  devout  ejacula- 
tions, the  fhort  and  fudden  breathings  and  elevations  of  his 
foul  to  God,  which   he  wrote  down  as  they  occurred,   and, 
towards  the   latter  end  of  hi;  time,  gathered  1 
Lis<hy-book  where  they  fa}  fcattWed,  added  to  the. 


32o        PSALM    CXIX. 

ny  like  words,  and  digeded  them  into  this  pfal.r,  in  which 
there  is  feldom  any  coherence  between  the  verfes,  but,  like 
Solomon's  proverbs,  it  is  a  ched  of  gold  ring§,  not  a  chain 
of  gold  links.  And  we  may  not  only  learn,  by '  the pfal raid's 
example,  to  aecudom  ourfclvcs  to  fueh  pious  ejaculations, 
which  arc  an  excellent  means  of  maintaining  condant  com- 
munion with  God,  and  keeping  the  heart  in  frame  for  the 
more  folemn  exercifes  of  religion,  but  ve  muft  make  ufe  of 
the  pfalmifTs  words,  both  for  the  exciting  and  for  the  ex- 
pre/fing  of  our  devout  affections  :  and  it  is  true  what  fome 
have  faid  of  this  pfaim,  He  that  (hall  read  it  confiderately, 
it  will  either  warm  him,  or  fhame  him.  (i.)  The  compo- 
fure  of  it  is  lingular  and  very  nice.  It  is  divided  into  twen- 
ty-two parts,  according  to  the  number  of  the  letters  of  the 
Hebrew  alphabet,  and  each  part  con  fills  of  eight  verfes;  all 
thevedesof  the  fir'ft  part  beginning  with  Aleph,  all  the 
verfes  of  the  fecond  with  Beth,  and  fo  on,  without  any  flaw, 
throughout  the  whole  pfalm.  Archbifhop  Tiilotfon  faith, 
It  feems  to  have'  more  of  poetical  ikill  and  number  in  it, 
than  we  at  this  diftance  can  eafily  nnderdand.  Some  have 
called  it  the  feint's  alphabet  ;  and  it  were  to  be  wilhed  wc 
had  it  as  ready  in  our  memories,  as  the  very  letters  of  our 
alphabet,  as  ready  as  our  ABC.  Perhaps  the  penman 
found  it  of  u(c  to  himfclf,  to  obeferve  this  method,  as  it 
obliged  him  to  fink  for  thoughts,  and  fearch  for  them,  that 
he  might  fill  up  the  quota  of  every  part;  and  theletterhe  was" 
to  begin  with,  might  lead  him  to  a  word  which  might  fudged 
a  good  fentence;  and  all  little  enough  to  raife  any  thing  that 
is  good  in  the  barren  foil  of  our  hearts.  However,  it  would  be 
or  me  to  the  learners,  a  help  to  them,  both  in  committingit 
to  metro,  y,  and  in  calling  it  to  mind,  upon  occafion,  by  the 
letter  the  iirft  word  would  be  got,  and  that  would  bring  in 
the  whole  verie  .  thus  young  people  would  the  eafier  learn  it 
by  heart,  and  retain  it  the  better  even  in  old  age.  If  any 
cenfure  it  aschildiih  and  triffiing,  becaufe  acrodics  are  now 
quite  out  of  faihion,  let  them  know  that  the  royal  pfalmid 
defpifetn  their  cenfure;  he  is  a  teacher  of  babes,  and  if 
this  method  may  be  beneficial  to  them,  he  can  eafily  doop 
to  it;  if  this  be  to  be  vile,  he  '  will  yet  be  more  vile/ 
(z.)  The  general  fcope  and  defign  of  it  is  to  magnify  the 
law,  'dr.il  make  it' honourable;  to  fct  foith  the  excellency 
and  ufefulnefs  of  divine  revelation,  and  to  recommend  it 
tons,  not  only  for  ti^e  entertainment,  but  for  the  govern- 
ment of  ourfclvcs,  by  the  pfalmrd's  own  example,  who 
i'peaks  by  experience  of*  the  benefit  of  it,  and  of  the  good 
im predion s  made  upon  him  by  it-  for  which  he  praifeth 
God,  and  carneftiy  prays,  from  r?rd  to  lad,  for  the  conti- 
nuance of  God's  grace  with  him,  to  direc't  and  quicken  him 
in  the  WAy  of  his  duty.     These  are  ten  ll vera  1  words  by 

which 


PSALM    CXIX.        321 

which  divine  revelation  is  called  in  this  pfalm  ;  and  they 
arc  upon  the  matter  fynonimous,  «ach  of  them  expreflive 
of  the  whole  compafs  of  it.  hoth  that  which  tells  us  what 
from  us,  and  that  which  tells  us  what  we  may 
:  and  of  the  fyftein  ol  religion  which  is 
founded  upon  it,  and  guided  by  it.  The  things  contained 
in  the   icripture,  an  J   drawn   Iron.  :   called,  I. 

God's  law,  becaufe  they  are  enacted  by  hiru  as  our  Sove- 
%.  His  way  becaufe  they  are  the  rule  both  of  his 
providence  and  our  obedience.  3.  his  testimonies,  becaufe 
they  are  folemnly  declared  to  the  world,  and  attefted  be- 
yond contradiction.  4  His  comma-  ■:;:  ufe  given 
with  authority,  afld  (as  the  word  flgnjfics)  lodged  with  us 
as  a  trulU  5.  His  precepts,  becaofe  prescribed  to  us,  and 
not  left  indirferent.  6.  His  word  or  faying,  becaufe  it  is 
the  declaration  of  his  mind  and  Chrift  the  efTential,  eter- 
nal Word,  is  all  in  all  in  it.  7.  His  judgments,  becaufe 
framed  in  infinite  auie  by  them,  we  muft 
both  juc.e  and  he  iu'L-al.  R.  His  righteoufnefs,  becaufe 
it  is  all  holy,  juft,  and  good,  and  the  rule  and  ftandard  of 
rightebufneis  9.  His  '".  land 
determined,  and  of  perpetual  obligation,  ic.  His  truth  cr 
faithfulnefs,  becaufe  the  principles  upon  which  the  divine 
law  is  built,  are  eternal  truths.  And  I  think  there  is  but 
one  ve-rfe  (it  is  verf.  122.)  in  all  this  long  pfalm,  in  which, 
there  is  not  one  or  other  of  thefe  ten  words;  only  in  three 
or  four  they  are  ufed  concerning  God's  providence,  or  Da- 
vid': practice,  as  ▼erf.  75.  84.  121.  and  verf.  132.  They 
arc  called  God's  name.  The  great  efteem  and  affection. 
David  bad  for  the  word  of  God,  is  the  more  admireable, 
conhdering  how  little  he  had  of  it,  in  companion  with  what 
we  have;   no  more,  perhaps,  in  writing,  than  the  firft  books 

:es,  which  were  hut  the  damning  of  this  day;  which 
may  lhanie  us  who  enjoy  the  full  difcoveries  of  divine  reve- 
lation, and  yet  are  fo  cold  towards  it.  In  fmging  this  pfalm, 
there  is  work  for  all  the  devout  affections  of  a  fanctified  foul : 
fo  copious,  Co  various  is  the  matter  of  it.  We  here  find  that 
in  which  we  muft  give  glory  to  God,  both  as  our  rata;  and 
great  benefactor;  and  that  in  which  we  are  to  teach  and 
admonifh  ourfeives  and  one  another,  io  many  are  the  in- 
ltrttctions  which  we  here  find  about  a  religious  life;  and  to 
comfort  and  encourage  ourfeives  and  one  another,  fo  many 
are  the  fweet  experiences  of  one-  that  lived  fuch  a  life.  Here 
j  or  other  to  iuit  the  cafe  of  every  Chriftian.  Is 
any  articled?  is  any  merry?  each  will  find  that  here  that 
is  proper  for  them.     And  it  is  fo  far  from  being  a   tedious 

tion  oi  the  fame  thing,  as  may  fecm  to  thofe  who  look 
over  it  Curforily,  that  if  we  duly  meditate  upon  it,  we  (hall 

dxnoft  every  vcrfc  has  a  new  thought,  and  fom< 

X  in 


322         PSALM    CXIX. 

in  it  very  lively.  And  this,  as  many  other  of  David's 
pfalms  teach  us  to  be  fententious  in  our  devotions,  both 
alone,  and  when  others  join  with  us;  for  ordinarily  the  af- 
fections efpecially  of  weaker  Chriitians,  are  more  likely  to 
be  raifed  and  kept  by  (hort  expreffions,  the  fen fe  of  which 
lies  in  a  little  room,  than  by  long  and  laboured  periods. 

ALE  P  H.    The  i ft  Part. 

BLefled  are  they  that  undefiPd 
and  ftraight  are  in  the  way, 
Who  ia  the  Lord's  moft  holy  law 
do  walk  and  do  not  ftray. 

2  Blefled  are  they  who  to  obferve 

his  ftatutes  are  inclined, 
And  who  do  feek  the  living  God 
with  their  whole  heart  and  mind. 

3  Such  in  his  ways  do  walk:  and  they 

do  no  iniquity. 

4  Thou  haft  commanded  us  to  keep 

thy  precepts  carefully. 

5  O  that  thy  ftatutes  to  obferve 

thou  wouldft  my  ways  direct ! 

6  Then  lhall  I  not  be  fham'd,  when  I 

thy  precepts  all  refpeft. 
y  Then  with  integrity  of  heart 
thee  will  I  praife  and  blefs, 
When  I  the  Judgments  all  have  learn'd 
of  tl\y  pure  righteoufnefs. 
8  That  I  will  keep  thy  ftatutes  all 
firmly  refolv'd  have  I: 
O  do  not  then  moft  gracious  God, 
forfake  me  utterly.        B  E  T H* 


PSALM    CXIX.        323 

BETH.     The  2d  Part. 

9  By  what  means   fhall  a  young  man 

his  way  to  purify?  (learn 

If  he  according  to  thy  word 
thereto  attentive  be. 

10  Unfeignedly  thee  have  I  fought 

with  all  my  foul  and  heart: 
O  let  me  not  from  the  right  path 
of  thy  commands  depart. 

1 1  Thy  word  I  in  my  heart  have  hid, 

that  1  offend  not  thee. 

12  O  Lord,  thou  ever  bleifed  art: 

thy  ftatutes  teach  thou  me. 
1 3The  j  udgments  of  thy  mouth  each  one 
my  lips  declared  have. 

14  More  joy  thy  teftimonies  way 

than  riches  all  me  gave. 

15  1  will  thy  holy  precepts  make 

my  meditation, 
And  carefully  I'll  have  refpect 
Unto  thy  ways  each  one. 

16  Upon  thy  ftatutes  my  delight 

fhall  conftantly  be  let : 
And  bv  thv  grace  I  never  will 
thy  holv  word  for .. 
G  TM  E  L.     The"  3d  Part. 

17  With  me  thy  fervant,  in  thy  grace, 

deal  bountifully,  Lord, 

X  '2  That 


324        PSALM    CXIX. 

That  by  thy  favour  I  may  live, 
and  duly  keep  thy  word, 
)8  Open  mine  eyes,  that  "of  thy  law 
the  wonders  I  may  fee. 

19  I  am  a  ftranger  on  this  earth, 

hide  not  thy  laws  from  me. 

20  My  foul  within  me  breaks,  and  doth 

much  fainting  ftill  endure, 
Through  longing  that  it  hath  all  times 
unto  thy  judgments  pure. 

2 1  Thou  haft  rebuk'd  thecurfed  proud, 

who  from  thy  precepts  fwerve. 
2  2  Reproach  and  fhame  remove  from  me 

for  I  thy  laws  obferve. 
23  Againft  me  princes  fpake  with  fpite, 

while  they  in  counfel  fat : 
But  I  thy  fervant  did  upon 

thy  ftatutes  meditate. 
2  4  My  comfort,  and  my  heart's  delight, 

thy  teftimonies  be, 

/And  they  in  all  my  doubts  and  fears 
are  counfellors  to  me. 
D  ALET  H.     The  4th  Part. 

25  My  foul  to  duft  cleaves:  quicken  me 

according  to  thy  word,     (heardft: 

2 6  My  ways  I  fhew'd,  and  me  thou 

teach  me  thy  ftatutes,  Lord. 

27  lhe 


PSALM    CXIX.        325 

ay  The  way  of  thy  commandcmcnts 
make  me  aright  to  know : 
So  ail  thy  works  that  wondrous  are 
I  (hall  to  others  fhow. 

28  My  foul  doth  melt,  and  drop  away, 

for  heavmefs  and  grief: 
To  me,  according  to  thy  word, 
give  ftrength  and  fend  relief, 

29  From  me  the  wicked  way  of  lies 

let  far  removed  be : 
And  gracioufly  thy  holy  law 
do  thou  grant  unto  me. 

30  I  chofen  have  the  perfect  way 

of  truth  and  verity : 
Thy  judgments  that  moft  righteous 
before  me  laid  have  L 

3 1  I  to  thy  teftimonies  cleave : 

fhame  do  not  on  me  caft. 

32  I'll  run  thy  precepts  way,  when  thou 

my  heart  enlarged  haft. 

BE.     The  5th  Part. 

^^  Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  perfect  way* 

of  thy  precepts  divine, 

And  to  obferve  it  to  the  end 

I  fhall  my  heart  incline. 

34  Give  underftanding  unto  me, 

fo  keep  thy  law  fhall  I, 

Yea 


326       PSALM    CXIX. 

Yea,  ev'n  with  my  whole  heart  I  fhall 
obferve  it  carefully, 

35  In  thy  laws  path  make  me  to  go, 

for  I  delight  therein. 

36  My  heart  unto  thy  teftimonies, 

and  not  to  greed  incline. 

37  Turn  thou  away  my  fight  and  eyes 

from  'viewing  vanity : 
And  in  thy  good  and  holy  way 
be  pleas'd  to  quicken  me. 

38  Confirm  to  me  thy  gracious  word 

which  I  did  gladly  hear, 
Ev'n  to  thy  fervant,  Lord,  who  is 
devoted  to  thy  fear. 

39  Turn  thou  away  my  fear 'd  reproach : 

for  good  thy  judgments  be, 

40  Lo,  for  thy  precepts  I  have  long'd ; 

in  thy  truth  quicken  me. 

VAU.     The  6th  Part. 

41  Let  thy  fweet  mercies  alfo  come, 

and  vifit  me,  O  Lord ; 
Even  thy  benign  falvation, 
according  to  thy  word. 

42  So  fhall  I  have  wherewith  I  may 

give  him  an  anfwer  juft, 
Who  fpitefully  reproacheth  me : 
for  in  thy  word  I  truft. 

43  The 


P  S  A  L  M    CXIX.        327 

43  The  word  of  truth  out  of  my  mouth 

take  thou  not  utterly; 
For  on  thy  judgments  righteous 
my  hope  doth  ftill  rely. 

44  So  {hall  I  keep  for  evermore 
thy  law  continually. 

45  And  fith  that  I  thy  precepts  feek, 

I'll  walk  at  liberty. 

46  I'll  fpeak  thy  word  to  kings,  and  I 

with  fhame  fhall  not  be  mov'd: 

47  And  wrill  delight  myfelf  always 

in  thy  laws  which  I  lov'd. 

48  To  thy  commandments  which  I  lov'd 

my  hands  lift  up  I  will : 
And  I  will  alfo  meditate 
upon  thy  ftatutes  ftill. 

Z  A  IN.     The  7th  part. 

49  Remember,  Lord,  thy  gracious  word 

thou  to  thy  fervant  fpake, 
Which  for  a  ground  of  my  lure  hope, 
thou  caufedft  me  to  take. 

50  This  word  of  thine  my  comfort  is 

in  mine  affliction : 
For  in  my  ftraits  I  am  revived 
by  this  thy  word  alone. 

51  The  men  whofe  hearts  with  pride  are 

did  greatly  me  deride  :      (ftufPd, 

Yet 


328       PSALM    CXIX. 

Yet  from   thy  ftraight    commanded 
I  have  not  turn'd  afide.       (ments 

52  Thy  judgments  righteous,  O  Lord, 

which  thou  of  old  forth  gave, 
I  did  remember;  and  myfelf 
by  them  comforted  have. 

53  Horror  took  hold  on  me,  becaufe 

ill  men  thy  law  forfake. 

54  I  in  my  houfe  of  pilgrimage 

thy  laws  my  fongs  do  make. 

55  Thy  name  by  night,  Lord,  I  did  mind, 

and  I  have  kept  thy  law. 
$6  And  this  I  had:  becaufe  thy  word 
I  kept,  and  flood  in  awe. 

CHETH.     The  8th  Part. 

57  Thou  my  fure  portion  art  alone, 

which  I  did  choofe,  O  Lord : 
I  have  refolvM,  and  faid,  that  I 
would  keep  thy  holy  word* 

58  With  my  whole  heart  I  did  intreat 

thy  face  and  favour  free : 
According  to  thy  gracious  word 
be  merciful  to  me. 

59  I  thought  upon  my  former  ways, 

and  did  my  life  well  try : 
And  to  thy  teftimonies  pure 
my  feet  then  turned  I. 

60  I 


P  S  A  L  M    CXIX.        329 

60  I  did  not  ftay,  nor  linger  long, 

as  thofe  that  flothful  are; 
But  haftily  thy  laws  to  keep 
myfelf  I  did  prepare. 

61  Bands  of  ill  men  me  robb'd;   yet  I 

thy  precepts  did  not  (light. 

62  I'll  rife  at  midnight  the£  to  praife, 

ev'n  for  thy  judgments  right. 

63  I  am  companion  to  all  thofe 

who  fear  and  thee  obey. 

64  O  Lord,  thy  mercy  fills  the  earth : 

teach  me  thy  laws,  I  pray. 

T ET H.     The  9th  Part. 

65  Well  haft  thou  with  thy  fervant  dealt, 

as  thou  didft  promife  give. 

66  Good  judgment  me,  and  knowledge 

for  I  thy  word  believe.       (teach : 

67  Ere  I  afflicted  was,  I  ftray'd; 

but  now  I  keep  thy  word. 

68  Both  good  thou  art,  and  good  thou 

teach  me  thy  ftatutes,  Lord,  (doft: 

69  The  men  that  are  puftup  with  pride 

again  ft  me  fcrg'd  a  lie; 
Yet  thy  commandements  obferve 
with  my  whole  heart  will  I. 

70  Their  hearts,  through  worldly  eafe 

asfatasgreefetheybe:  (and  wealth 

But 


33?        PSALM    CXIX. 

But  in  thy  holy  law  I  take 
delight  continually. 

71  It  hath  been  very  good  for  me, 

that  I  afflidted  was, 
That  I  might  well  inftru&ed  be, 
and  learn  thy  holy  laws, 

72  The  word  that  cometh  from  thy 

is  better  unto  me  (mouth 

Than  many  thoufands,  and  great  fums 
of  gold  and  filver  be. 

JO  D.     The  10th  Part. 

73  Thoumad'ftandfafhion'dftme:  thy 

to  know,  give  wifdom,  Lord;  (laws 

74  So  who  thee  fear  fhall  joy  to  fee 

me  trufting  in  thy  word. 

75  That  very  right  thy  judgments  are 

I  know,  and  do  confefs, 
And  that  thou  haft  afflided  me 
in  truth  and  faithfulnefs. 

76  O  let  thy  kindnefs  merciful, 

I  pray  thee,  comfort  me, 
As  to  thy  fervant  faithfully 
wras  promifed  by  thee. 

77  And  let  thy  tender  mercies  come 

to  me,  that  I  may  live: 
Becaufe  thy  holy  laws  to  me 
fweet  delectation  give. 

78  Lord, 


PSALM    CXIX.        331 

78  Lord,  let  the  proud  afhamed  be, 

for  they  without  a  caufe 
With  me  perveriely  dealt;  but  I 
will  mule  upon  thy  laws. 

79  Let  fuch  as  fear  thee,  and  have  known 

thy  ftatutes,  turn  to  me. 

80  My  heart  let  in  thy  laws  be  found; 

that  fham'd  I  never  be. 

C AP  H.     The   nth  Part. 

8 1  My  foul  for  thy  falvation  faints : 

yet  I  thv  word  believe. 

82  Mine  eyes  fail  for  thy  word,  I  fay, 

when  wilt  thou  comfort  give? 

83  For  like  a  bottle  I'm  become 

that  in  the  imoke  is  fet, 
I'm  black  and  parch'd  with  grief: 
thy  ftatutes  not  forget.  (yet  I 

84  How  many  are  thy  tenant's  days? 

when  wilt  thou  execute 
Juft  judgment  on  thole  wicked  men 
that  do  me  perfecute? 
S$  The  proud  have  digged  pits  for  me, 
which  is  againft  thy  laws. 

86  Thy  words  allfaithful  are:  help  me 

purfu'd  without  a  caufe. 

87  They  {o  confum'd  me,  that  on  earth 
my  life  they  fcarce  did  leave: 

Thv 


332        PSALM    CXIX. 

Thy  precepts  yet  forfook  I  not, 
but  clofe  to  them  did  cleave. 

88  After  thy  loving-kindnefs,  Lord, 

me  quicken  and  preferve: 
The  teftimony  of  thy  mouth 
fo  (hall  I  flill  obferve. 

LAMED.     The  12th  Part. 

89  Thy  word  for  ever  is,  O  Lord, 

in  heaven  fettled  faft. 

90  Unto  all  generations 

thy  faithful nefs  doth  laft. 
The  earth  thou  haft  eftablifhed, 
and  it  abides  by  thee. 

91  This  day  they  ftand    as  thou  or- 

for  all  thy  fervants  be.  (dain'dft; 

92  Unlefs  in  thy  moft  perfect  law 

my  foul  delights  had  found, 
I  fhould  have  perifhed,  when  as 
my  troubles  did  abound. 

93  Thy  precpts  I  will  ne'er  forget: 

they  quic'kning  to  me  brought. 

94  Lord,  I  am  thine,  O  fave  thou  me: 

thy  precepts  I  have  fought. 

95  For  me  the  wicked  have  laid  wait, 

me  feeking  to  deftroy : 

But  I  thy  teftimonies  true 

confider  will  with  joy. 

96  An 


PSALM    CXIX.        233 

96  An  end  of  all  perfedtion 

here  have  I  feen,  O  God: 
But  as  for  thy  commandement, 
it  is  exceeding  broad. 

MEM,      The  1 3th  Part. 

97  O  how  love  I  thy  law !  it  is 

my  ftudy  all  the  day. 

98  It  makes  me  wifer  than  my  foes: 

for  it  doth  with  me  flay. 

99  Than  all  my  teachers  now  I  have 

more  underftanding  far : 
Becaufe  my  meditation 
thy  teftimonies  are, 

100  In  underftanding  I  excel 
thofe  that  are  ancients : 

For  I  endeavoured  keep 
all  thy  commandements. 

101  My  feet  from  each  ill  way  I  ftay'd, 
that  I  may  keep  thy  word, 

102  I  trom  thy  judgments  have  not  iwerv'd, 

for  thou  haft  taught  me,  Lord. 

103  Howiweet  unto  my  tafte,  O  Lord, 
are  all  thy  words  of  truth! 

Yea,  I  do  find  them  iweeter  far 
than  honey  to  my  mouth 
1 04 1  through  thy  precept s-that  are  pure, 


do  underftanding  get: 


I  there- 


334        PSALM    CXIX. 
I  therefore  ev'ry  way  that's  falfe 
with  all  my  heart  do  hate. 

NUN.     The   14th  Part. 

105  Thy  word  is  to  my  feet  a  lamp, 

and  to  my  path  a  light. 
ic5  I  fworn  have,  and  I  will  perform, 

to  keep  thy  judgments  right. 

107  I  am  with  fore  affii&ion 
ev'n  overwhelmed:    O  Lord, 

In  mercy  raife  and  quicken  me, 
according  to  thy  word. 

108  The  free  will-ofPrings  of  my  mouth 

accept,  I  thee  befeech, 
And  unto  me  thy  fervant,  Lord, 
thy  judgments  clearly  teach. 

1 09  Though  ftill  my  foul  be  in  my  hand, 
thy  laws  I'll  not  forget. 

1 10  I  err'd  not  from  them,  though  for 
the  wicked  fnares  did  fet.        (me 

in  I  of  thy  teftimonies  have 

above  all  things  made  choice, 
To  be  my  heritage  for  ay : 
for  they  my  heart  rejoice. 
112  I  carefully  inclined  have 
my  heart  ftill  to  attend, 
That  I  thy  ftatutes  may  perform 
alway  unto  the  end, 

SAMECH. 


P  S  A  L  M    CXIX.         M5 
SAMECH.     The  15th  Part. 

113  I  hate  the  thoughts  of  vanity: 
but  love  thy  law  do  I. 

114  My  lhield  and  hiding-place  thou 
I  on  thy  word  rely.  (art : 

1 15  All  ye  that  evil  doers  are, 
from  me  depart  away; 

For  the  commandments  of  my  God 
I  purpoie  to  obey. 

1 16  According  to  thy  faithful  word 
uphold  and  ftablilh  me, 

That  I  may  live,  and  of  my  hope 
afhamed  never  be. 

1 17  Held  thcu  me  up,   fo  fhall  I  be 
in  peace  and  fafety  ftill: 

And  to  thy  ftatutes  have  refpe£t 
continually  I  will. 

118  Thou  tread'il:  down  all  that  loveto 
falfe  their  deceit  doth  prove  (ftray : 

119  Lewd  men  like  drois  away  thou 
therefore  thy  law  I  love.    (puttYt: 

120  For  fear  of  thee  my  very  flefh 
doth  tremble,  all  diimaid; 

And  of  thy  righteous  judgments,  Lord, 
my  foul  is  much  afraid. 
A  IN.     The   1 6th  Part. 

121  To  all  men  I  have  judgment  done, 
performing  juftice  right:     Then 


336       PSALM    CXIX. 

Then  let  me  not  be  left  unto 
my  fierce  oppreffors  might* 

122  For  good  unto  thy  fervant,  Lord, 

thy  fervant's  furety  be : 
From  the  oppreffion  of  the  proud 
do  thou  deliver  me. 

123  Mine  eyes  do  fail  with  looking  long 

for  thy  falvation,  » 

The  word  of  thy  pure  righteoufnefs 
while  I  do  wait  upon. 

124  In  mercy  with  thy  fervant  deal, 
thy  laws  me  teach  and  iliow. 

125  I  am  thy  fervant,  wifdom  give, 

that  I  thy  laws  may  know. 

126  'Tis  time  thou  work,  Lord :  for  they 

made  void  thy  law  divine. 

127  Therefore  thy  precepts  more  I  love 
than  gold,  yea,  gold,   mod  fine, 

128  Concerning  all  things  thy  corn- 
all  right  I  Judge  therefore ;  (mands 

And  ev'ry  falfe  and  wicked  way 
I  perfedly  abhor. 

P  E.     The   17th  Part. 

229  Thyftatutes,  Lord,  are  wonderful: 
my  foul  them  keeps  with  care. 

1 30  The  entrance  of  thy  w7ord  gives  light 
makes  wife  who  fimple  are. 

131  My 


P  S  A  L  M    CXIX.       337 

131  My  mouth  I  have  wide  opened, 
and  panted  earneftly: 

While  after  thy  commandements 
I  long'd  exceedingly. 

132  Look  on  me,  Lord,  and  merciful 
do  thou  unto  me  prove, 

As  thou  are  wont  to  do  to  thofe 
thy  name  who  truly  love. 

133  O  let  my  footfteps  in  thy  word 
aright  ftill  ordered  be : 

Let  no  iniquity  obtain 
dominion  over  me. 

1 34  From  man's  oppreflion  fave  thou 
fo  keep  thy  laws  I  will.         (me: 

135  Thy  face  make  on  thy  fervant  fhine : 

teach  me  thy  ftatutes  ftill. 

136  Rivers  of  waters  from  mine  eyes 
did  run  down,  when  I  faw 

How  wicked  men  run  on  in  fin, 
and  do  not  keep  thy  law. 

TSADDL     The  18th  Part. 

137  O  Lord,   thou  art  moft  righteous* 
thy  judgments  are  upright. 

138  Thy  teftimonies  thou  command'ft, 
moft  faithful  are,  and  right. 

139  My  Zeal  hath  ev'n  confumed  me : 

becaufe  mine  enemies 

Y  Thv 


338        PSALM    CXJX 

Thy  holy  words  forgotten  have, 
and  do  thy  laws  defpife. 

140  Thy  word's  moft  pure:  therefore 
thy  fervant's  love  is  fet.        (on  it 

141  Small  and  defpis'd  I  am:  yet  I 
thy  precepts  not  forget. 

142  Thy  righteoufnefs  is  righteoufnefs 
which  ever  doth  endure ; 

Thy  holy  law,  Lord,  alfo  is 
the  very  truth  moft  pure. 

1 43  Trouble  and  anguifh  have  me  found 

and  taken  hold  on  me : 
Yet  in  my  trouble  my  delights 
thy  juft  commandments  be, 

144  Eternal  righteoufnefs  is  in 
thy  teftimonies  all : 

Lord,  to  me  underftanding  give, 
and  ever  live  I  fhall. 

KO  P  H.     The  19th  Part. 

145  With  my  whole  heart  Icry'd,  Lord, 
I  will  thy  word  obey.  (hear  : 

146  I  cry'd  to  thee,  fave  me,  and  I 
will  keep  thy  laws  alway. 

147  I  of  the  morning  did  prevent 
the  dawning,  and  did  cry; 

For  all  mine  expectation 
did  on  thy  word  rely* 

148  Mine 


PSALM    CXIX.        339 

148  Mine  eyes  did  timeoufly  prevent 
the  watches  of  the  night, 

That  in  thy  word,  with  careful  mind, 
then  meditate  I  might. 

149  After  thy  loving-kindnefs  hear 
my  voice,  that  calls  on  thee: 

According  to  thy  judgment,  Lord, 
revive  and  quicken  me,         (nigh 

150  Who  follow   mifchief,  they  draw 
they  from  thy  law  are  far. 

151  But  thou  art  near,  Lord :  mod  firm 
all  thy  commandments  are.  (truth 

152  As  for  thy  teftimonies  all, 
of  old  this  have  I  try'd, 

That  thou  haft  furely  founded  them 
for  ever  to  abide. 

RE  AH.     The  20th  Part. 

153  Confider  mine  affliction, 
in  fafety  do  me  fet, 

Deliver  me,  O  Lord :  for  I 
thy  law  do  not  forget. 

1 54  After  thy  word  revive  thou  me : 
fave  me,  and  plead  my  caufe. 

155  Salvation  is  from  finners  far: 
for  they  feek  not  thy  laws. 

156  O  Lord,  both  great  and  manifold 
thy  tender  mercies  be : 

Y  2  According 


uo        PSALM    CXIX. 


o 


According  to  thy  judgments  juft 
revive  and  quicken  me. 
157  My  perfecutors  many  are, 
and  foes,  that  do  combine: 
Yet  from  thy  teftimonies  pure 
my  heart  doth  not  decline. 
1 5  8 1  faw  tranfgreflbrs,  and  was  griev'd : 
for  they  keep  not  thy  word, 

159  See  how  I  love  thy  law:  as  thou 
art  kind,  me  quicken,  Lord. 

1 60  From  the  beginning  all  thy  word 
hath  been  moft  true  and  lure : 

Thy  righteous  judgments  ev'ry  one 
for  evermore  endure. 

SCH IN.     The  21ft  Part. 

161  Princes  have  perfecuted  me, 
although  no  caufe  they  faw; 

But  ftill  of  thy  moft  holy  word 
my  heart  doth  ftand  in  awe. 

162  I  at  thy  word  rejoice,  as  one 
of  fpoil  that  finds  great  ftore. 

163  Thy  law  I  love:  but  lying  all 
I  hate  and  do  abhor. 

164  Sev'n  times  a  day  it  is  my  care 
to  give  due  praife  to  thee : 

Becaufe  of  all  thy  judgments,  Lord, 


•which  righteous  ever  be. 


165  Great 


PSALM    CXIX.        341 

165  Great  peace  have  they  who  love  thy 

offence  they  (hall  have  none,   (law  : 

166  I  hop'd  for  thy  falvation,  Lord, 
and  thy  commands  have  done. 

167  My  foul  thy  teftimonies  pure 
obferved  carefully: 

On  them  my  heart  is  fet,  and  them 
I  love  exceedingly. 

168  Thy  teftimonies  and  thy  laws 
I  kept  with  fpecial  care: 

For  all  my  works  and  ways  each  one 
before  thee  open  are. 

T  AU.     The  2  2d  Part. 

169  O  let  my  earned  pray'r  and  cry 
come  near  before  thee,  Lord : 

Give  underftanding  unto  me 
according  to  thy  word. 

1 70  Let  my  requeft  before  thee  come  : 
after  thy  word  me  free. 

171  My  lips  fhall  utter  praiie,  when 
haft  taught  thy  laws  to  me.  (thou 

1 72  My  tongue  of  thy  mod  bleffed  word 

fhall  fpeak,  and  it  confefs : 
Becaufe  all  thy  commandements 
are  perfect  righteoufnefs. 

173  Let  thy  ftrong  hand  make  help  to 

thy  precepts  are  my  choice,  (me : 

174  I 


342        PSALM    CXX. 

1 74  I  long'd  for  thy  falvation,  Lord : 
and  in  thy  law  rejoice. 

1 75  O  let  my  foul  live,  and  it  fhall 
give  praifes  unto  thee : 

And  let  thy  judgments  gracious 
be  helpful  unto  me. 

176  I  like  a  loft  fheep  went  aftray, 
thy  fervant  feek,  and  find : 

For  thy  commands  I  fuffer'd  not 
to  flip  out  of  my  mind. 

PSALM    CXX. 

This  pfalm  is  fuppofcd  to  have  been  penned  by  David  upon 
occafion  of  Doeg's  accufing  him  and  the  priefts  to  Saul,  be- 
caufe  it  is  like  Pfal.  Hi.  which  waspennedon  that  occafion; 
and  becaufe  the  pfalmift  complains  of  his  being  driven  out 
of  the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  and  his  being  forced 
among  barbarous  people.  (I.)  He  prays  to  God  to  deliver  him 
from  the  mifchiefs  defigned  him  by  falfe  and  malicious 
tongue?,  verf.  I.  2.  (2)  He  threatens  the  judgments  of 
God  againft  fuch,  verf.  3.  4.  (3.)  He  complains  of  his  ill 
neighbours  that  were  quarrelfome  and  vexatious,  verf.  5.  6. 
7.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  may  comfort  ourfelves  in  re- 
ference to  the  fcourgeof  the  tongue,  when  at  any  time  we 
fall  unjuftly  under  the  lafh  of  it,  that  better  than  we  have 
fmaited  for  it. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

IN  my  diftrefs  to  God  I  cry'd, 
and  he  gave  ear  to  me. 

2  From  lying  lips,  and  guileful  tongue, 

O  Lord,  my  foul  fet  free. 

3  What  fhall  be  giv'n  thee?  or  what 

be  done  to  thee  falfe  tongue  ?   (fhall 

4  Ev'n 


PSALM    CXXI.        343 

4  Ev'n  burning  coals  of  juniper, 

fharp  arrows  of  the  ftrong. 

5  Wo's  me,  that  I  in  Mefech  am 

a  fojourner  fo  long, 
That  I  in  tabernacles  dwell 
to  Kedar  that  belong. 

6  My  foul  with  him  that  hateth  peace 

hath  long  a  dweller  been 

7  I  am  for  peace:  but  when  I  fpeak, 

for  battle  they  are  keen. 

PSALM    CXXI. 

Some  call  this  the  foldier's  pfalm,  and  think  it  was  penned 
in  the  camp,  when  David  was  jeoparding  his  life  in  the 
high  places  of  the  field,  and  thu:  trufied  God  to  cover  his 
head  in  theday  of  battle  Otherscall  ft  the  travellers  pfalm, 
(for  there  is  nothing- in  it  of  military  dangers),  and  think 
David  penned  it  when  he  was  going  abroad,  and  defigned 
it,  pro  vehiciihy  for  a  good  man's  convoy  and  companion  in 
a  journey  or  voyage.  But  we  need  not  thus  appropriate  it, 
where-ever  we  are,  at  home  or  abroad,  we  are  expofed  to 
danger  more  than  we  are  aware  of;  and  this  pfalm  directs 
and  encouragerh  us  to  repofe  ourfelves  and  our  confidence 
in  God,  and  by  faith  to  put  ourfelves  under  his  protection, 
and  commit  ourfelves  to  his  care.,  which  we  inuft.  do,  with 
an  entire  refignation  and  facisfaclion.  In  finging  this  pfalm, 
(I.)  David  here  aflures  himfelf  of  help  from  God,  verf.  I. 
2.     (z.)  He  aflures  others  of  it,  verf.  3. — 8. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

I  to  the  hills  will  lift  mine  eyes, 
from  whence  doth  come  mine  aid. 

2  My  fafety  cometh  from  the  Lord, 

who  heav'n  and  earth  hath  made. 

3  Thy  foot  he'll  not  let  Aide:  nor  will 

he  (lumber  that  thee  keeps. 

4  Behold 


344       PSA  L  M    CXXII. 

4  Behold,  he  that  keeps  Ifrael, 

he  (lumbers  not  nor  fleeps. 

5  The  Lord  thee  keeps :  the  Lord  thy 

on  thy  right  hand  doth  ftay .   ({hade 

6  The  moon  by  night  thee  {hall  not 

nor  yet  the  fun  by  day.      (fmite ; 
j  The  Lord  {hall  keep  thy  foul :  he  {hall 

preferve  thee  from  all  ill, 
8  Henceforth  thy  going  out  and  in 

God  keep  for  ever  will. 

PSALM     CXXII. 

This  pfalm  feems  to  have  been  penned  by  David  for  the  ufe 
of  the  people  of  Ifrael,  when  they  came  up  to  Jerufalem  to 
worfhip  at  the  three  folemn  feafts.  It  was  in  David's  time 
that  Jerufalem  was  firft  chofen  to  be  the  city  where  God 
^ould  record  his  name.  It  being  a  new  thing,  this,  among 
other  means,  was  ufed  to  to  bring  the  people  to  be  in  love  with 
Jerufalem,  as  the  holy  city,  though  it  was  hut  the  other  day 
in  the  hands  of  the  Jebufites.  Obferve  (i.)  The  joy  with 
which  they  were  to  go  up  to  Jerufalem,  verf.  I.  ^.  (2.) 
The  great  efteem  they  were  to  have  of  Jerufalem,  verf  3. 
4-  5«  (3-)  The  great  concern  they  were  to  have  for  Jeru- 
falem, and  the  prayers  they  were  to  put  up  for  its  welfare, 
verf.  6. — 9.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  mult  have  an  eye  to 
the  gofpel-church,  which  is  called  the  *  Jerufalem  that  is 
'  from  above. 

A  fong  of  degrees  of  David. 

Joy'd,  when,  To  the  houfe  of  God 
go  up,  they  faid  to  me. 

2  Jerufalem,  within  thy  gates 

our  feet  {hall  ftanding  be. 

3  Jerus'lem  as  a  city  is 

compactly  built  together: 

5  Unto 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXIII.       345 

5  Unto  that  place  the  tribes  go  up, 
the  tribes  of  God  go  thither; 
To  Ifr'els  teftimony,  there 

to  God's  name  thanks  to  pay. 

5  For  thrones  of  judgment,   ev'n  the 

of  David's  houfe,  there  ftay.  (thrones 

6  Pray  that  Jerusalem  may  have 

peace  and  felicity : 
Let  them  that  love  thee,  and  thy  peace, 
have  ftill  prosperity. 

7  Therefore  I  wiih  that  peace  may  ftill 

within  thy  walls  remain, 
And  ever  may  thy  palaces 
profperity  retain. 

8  Now,  for  my  friends  and  brethrens 

peace  be  in  thee,  I'll  fay.       (fake 

9  And  for  the  houfe  of  God  our  Lord, 

I'll  feek  thy  good  alway. 
PSALM    CXXIII. 

This  pfalm  was  penned  at  a  time  when  the  church  of  God  was 
brought  low  and  trampled  upon;  ibme  think  it  was  when 
the  jt^s  were  captives  in  Babylon  ;  though  that  was  not 
the  only  time  that  they  were  in  felted  over  by  the  proud. 
The  pfalrr.ifi:  begins  as  if  he  fpoke  for  himielf  only,  verf.  I. 
hut  preftntiy  fpeaks  in  the  name  of  the  church.  Here  is, 
r.)  Their  expectation  of  mercy  from  God,  verf.  I.  %. 
(l.)  Their  pica  for  mercy  with  God,  verf.  J.  4.  In  finging 
it,  we  mufr.  have  our  eye  up  to  God's  favour  with  a  holy  con- 
cern, and  then  an  eye  down  to  mens  reproach  with  a  holy 
contempt. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

Thou  that  dwelled  in  theheav'ns, 
I  lift  mine  eyes  to  thee. 

2  Be- 


346       PSALM    CXX1V. 

2  Behold,  as  fervants  eyes  do  look 

their  matters  hand  to  fee, 
As  handmaid's  eyes  her  miftrefs  hand : 

ib  do  our  eyes  attend 
Upon  the  Lord  our  God,  until 

to  us  he  mercy  fend. 

3  O  Lord,  be  gracious  to  us, 

unto  us  gracious  be : 
Becaufe  replenifh'd  with  contempt 
exceedingly  are  we. 

4  Our  foul  is  fill'd  with  fcorn  of  thofe 

that  at  their  eafe  abide, 
And  with  the  infolent  contempt 
of  thofe  that  fwell  in  pride. 
PSALM    CXXIV. 

David  penned  this  pfalm  (we  fuppofe)  upon  occafion  of  feme 
great  deliverance  which  God  wrought  for  him  and  his  peo- 
ple from  fome  very  threatening  danger,  which  was  likely  to 
have  involved  them  all  in  ruin  ;  whether  by  foreign  invafion, 
or  inteftine  infurreclion,  is  not  certain  ;  whatever  it  was,  he 
feems  to  have  been  himfelf  much  affected,  and  very  defirous 
to  affect  others,  with  the  goodnefsof  God,  in  making  a  way 
for  them  "lo  efcape  :  to  him  he  is  careful  to  give  all  the  glo- 
ry, and  takes  none  to  himfelf,  as  conquerors  ufe  to  do.  (i.) 
He  here  magnifies  the  greatnefs  of  the  danger  they  were  in, 
and  of  the  ruin  they  were  at  the  brink  of,  verf.  I. — 5.  (2.) 
He  gives  God  the  glory  of  their  efcape,  verf.  6.  7.  compared 
with  verf.  1.  2.  (3.)  He  takes  encouragement  from  thence 
to  truft  in  God,  verf.  8.  In  fmging  this  pfalm,  befides  the 
application  of  it  to  any  particular  deliverance  wrought  for  us 
and  our  people,  in  our  days,  and  the  days  of  our  fathers,  we 
may  have  in  our  thoughts  the  great  work  of  our  redemption 
by  Jefus  Chrift  by  which  we  were  refcued  from  the  powers 
of  darknefs. 

A  fong  of  degrees  of  David. 

*  AD  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  fide, 
may  Ifrael  now  fay : 

2  Had 


H 


PSALM    CXXIV.       347 

2  Had  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  fide, 

when  men  rofe  us  to  flay: 

3  They  had  us  fwallow'd  quick,  when  as 

their  wrath  'gainft  us  did  flame: 

4  Waters   had  cover'd  us,  our  foul 

had  funk  beneath  the  ftream. 

5  Then  had  the  waters,  fwelling  high, 

over  our  foul  made  way, 

6  BlefsM  « be  the  Lord,  who    to  their 

us  gave  not  for  a  prey.         (teeth 

7  Our  foul's  efcaped  as  a  bird 

out  of  the  fowler's  fnare; 
The  fnare  afunder  broken  is, 
and  we  efcaped  are. 

8  Our  fure  and  all-fufficient  help. 

is  in  Jehovah's  name, 
His  name  who  did  the  heaven  create, 
and  who  the  earth  did  frame. 

Anciher  of  the  fame, 

OW  Ifrael 

may  fay,  and  that  truly, 
If  that  the  Lord 

had  not  our  caufe  maintain'd  : 

2  If  that  the  Lord 

had  not  onr  right  fuftain'd, 
When  cruel  men 

againft  us  furioufly 
Rofe  up  in  wrath, 

to  make  of  us  their  prey. 

3  Then  cerUinly 

they  had  devourM  us  all, 
And  f wallow' J  quick, 

for  ought  thai  we  could  deem; 
Such  was  their  rage, 

as  we  might  well  cfteem: 

4  And 


N 


348       PSALM    CXXV. 

4  And  as  fierce  floods 

before  them  all  things  drown, 
So  had  they  brought 

our  foul  to  death  quite  down. 

5  The  raging  dreams, 

with  their  proud  fuelling  waves, 
Had  then   our  foul 

o'erwhclmed  in  the  deep; 

6  But  bieft  he  God, 

who  doth  us  fafely  keep, 
And  hath  not  giv'n 

us  for  a  living  prey 
Unto  their  teeth, 

and  bloody  cruelty. 

7  Ev'n  as  a  bird 

out  of  the  fowler's  fnare 
Efcapes  away, 

£n  is  our  foul  fet  free; 
Broke  are  their  nets, 

and  thus  efcaped  we. 

8  Therefore  our  help 

is  in  the  Lord's  great  name, 
Who  heav'n  and  earth 

by  his  great  pow'r  did  frame. 

PSALM    CXXV. 

This  fliort  pfalm  may  be  fummed  up  in  thofe  words  of  the  pro- 
phet, If.  iii.  10.  II.  'Say  ye  to  the  righteous,  It  (hall  be 
*  well  with  him.  Wo  to  the  wicked,  it  (liall  be  ill  with  him.' 
Thus  are  life  and  death,  the  blefling  and  the  curfe,  fet  be- 
fore us  often  in  the  pfalms,  as  well  as  in  the  law  and  the 
the  prophets,  (i.)  It  is  certainly  well  with  the  people  of 
God;  for,  I.  They  have  the  promifes  of  a  good  God, 
that  they  (hall  be  fixed,  verf.  I.  and  fafe,  verf.  %.  and  not 
always  under  hatches,  verf.  3.  (2.)  They  have  the  pray- 
ers of  a  good  man,  which  (hall  be  heard  for  them,  verf.  4. 
a.  It  is  certainly  ill  with  the  wicked,  and  particularly  with 
the  apoftares,  verf.  5.  Some  of  the  Jewifh  rabbins  are  of 
opinion,  that  it  has  reference  to  the  days  of  the  Mefliah  ; 
however,  we  that  are  members  of  the  gofpel  church  may 
certainly,  in  finging  this  pfalm,  take  the  comforl  of  thefe 
promifes,  and  the  more,  if  we  (rand  in  awe  of  the  threat- 
ening. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

THEY  in  the  Lord  that  firmly  truft, 
fliall  be  like  Zion  hill, 

Which 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXV.       349 

Which  at  no  time  can  be  removed, 
but  flandeth  ever  lVill. 

2  As  round  about  Jerufalem 

the  mountains  ftand  alway, 
The  Lord  his  folk  doth  compafs  fo, 
from  henceforth  and  for  ay, 

3  For  ill  mens  rod  upon  the  lot 

of  juft  men  fhall  not  ly: 
Left  righteous  men  ftretch  forth  their 
unto  iniquity.  (hands 

4  Do  thou  to  all  thofe  that  be  good 

thy  goodnefs,  Lord,  impart; 
And  do  thou  good  to  thole  that  are 
upright  within  their  heart. 

5  But  as  for  fuch  as  turn  afide 

after  their  crooked  way, 
God  fhall  lead  forthwith  wicked  men : 
on  IPrel  peace  fhall  flay. 

PSALM.     CXXVI. 

It  was  with  reference  to  fome  great  and  furprifing   deliverance 
of  the  people  of  God,  out  of  bondage  and  diftrefs,  that  this 
pfalm  was  penned;   mod  likely  their  return  out  of  Babylon 
in  Ezra's  time.     Though  Babylon  be  not    mentioned  here, 
as  it  is  Pfal.  exxxvii.  yet  their  captivity  there  was  the  mcfr. 
remarkable  captivity  both  in  itfclf,  and  as  their  return  out 
of  it  was  typical  of  our  redemption  by  Chrill.     Probably  it 
was  penned  by  Ezra,  or  fome  of  the  prophets  that  came  up 
with  the  rirQ.  We  read  of  fingers  of  the  children  of  .' 
that  famous  pfalm  ill  that  returned  then,  Ezra   ii.  41.     It 
being  a  fong  of  afcents,  in  which  twice  the  fame  th;- 
repeated  with  advancement,    verf.   2.   3.    and  veif.  4.  5.; 
it  is   put  here  among  the  reft  of  the    nulir.s  that  bear  that 
title,     (r.)   Thole  that  were  returned. out    or  t 
here  called  upon  to  be  thankful,  verf.  I.  s.  J.   (a.)  Thofe 


350      PSALM    CXXVII. 

that  were  yet  remaining  in  captivity  are  here  prayed  for, 
verf.  4.  and  encouraged,  verf.  5.  6.  Tt  will  be  eafy,  in 
fingingthispfalm,  to  apply  it  either  tc  any  particular  deliver- 
ance wrought  for  the  church,  or  cur  own  land,  or  to  the 
great  work  of  ourfalvation  by  Chrift. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

(back 

WHen  Zions  bondage  God  turn'd 
as  men  that  dream'd  were  we 

2  Then   fill'd  wTith   laughter  was  our 

our  tongue  with  melody :  (mouth, 

They  'mong  the  heathen  faid,  The  Lord, 

great  things  for  them  hath  wrought. 

3  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for 

whence  joy  to  us  is  brought,  (us: 

4  As  ftreams  of  water  in  the  fouth, 

our  bondage,  Lord,  recall. 

5  Who  fow  in  tears,  a  reaping  time 

of  joy  enjoy  they  fhall. 

6  That  man  who  bearing  precious  feed, 

in  going  forth  doth  mourn, 
He  doubtlefs,bringing  back  his  Iheaves 
rejoicing  fhall  return. 

PSALM    CXXVII. 

This  is  a  familypfalm,  as  divers  before  were  (late  poems,  and 
church-poems.  It  is  intitled  (as  we  read  it)  for  Solomon, 
dedicated  to  him  by  his  father.  He  having  a  houfe  to  build, 
a  city  to  keep,  and  ftsd  to  rajfe  up  to  his  father,  David  di- 
rects him  to  look  up  to  God,  and  to  depend  upon  his  pro- 
vidence, without  Which  all  his  wifdom,  care,  and  induftry 
would  not  ferve.  Some  take  it  to  hare  been  penned  by  So- 
lomon himfelf,  and  it  may  as  well  be  read,  A  fong  of  So- 
Jomon,  and  he  wrote  a  great  many:  and  they  compare  it 
with  his  Ecclefiaftes,  the  icope  of  both  being  the  fame,  to 
(hew  the   vanity  of  worldly  care;  and  how  necefikry  it  is 

that 


PSALM    CXXVII.       351 

that  we  keep  in  with  God.  On  him  we  muft  depend,  (1.) 
For  wealth,  verf.  1.  2.  (1.)  For  heirs  to  ie^ve  it  to,  verf. 
3.  4.  5.  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  muft  have  our  eye  up  un- 
to God  for  fuccefs  in  all  our  undertakings,  and  a  hic-fllng 
upon  all  our  comforts  and  enjoyments,  becaufe  every  crea- 
ture is  that  to  us,  and  no  more  than  he  makes  it  to  be. 

A  fong  of  degrees  for  Solomon. 

EXcept  the  Lord  do  build  the  houfe, 
the  builders  lofe  their  pain: 
Except  the  Lord  the  city  keep, 
the  watchman  watch  in  vain. 

2  'Tis  vain  for  you  to  rife  beumes, 

or  late  from  reft  to  keep, 
To  feed  on  forrow's  bread :  fo  gives 
he  his  beloved  fleep. 

3  Lo,  children  are  God's  heritage: 

the  womb's  fruit  his  reward. 

4  The  fons  of  youth  as  arrows  are, 

for  ftrong  mens  hands  prepared, 

5  O  happy  is  the  man  that  hath 

his  quiver  fill'd  with  thofe: 
They  unafhamed  in  the  gate 
lhall  fpeak  unto  their  foes. 

PSALM    CXXVIII. 

This,  as  the  former,  is  a  pfalm  for  families.  •  In  tba|  we  arc 
taught  that  the  prosperity  of  our  families  depends  upon  the 
blelling  of  God,  in  this  we  are- taught,  that  the  only  way 
to  obtain  that  blefhng,  which  will  make  our  families  com- 
fortable, is  to  live  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  obedience  to 
him.  They  that  do  fo  in  general,  they  lhall  be  bleiTed, 
verf.  I.  a.  4.  In  particular,  (1.)  They  lhall  be  prcfperous 
and  fuccefsful  in  their  employments,  verf.  2.  (2.)  Their 
relations  lhall  be  agreeable,  verf.  3.  (3.)  They  lhall  live 
to  fee  their  families  brought  up,  verf.  6.  (4)  They  Hull 

have 


CXXVIII. 


A  long  of  degrees. 

Lefs'd  is  each  one  that  fears  the 
and  walketh  in  his  ways.    (Lord, 

2  For  of  thy  labour  thou  fhalt  eat : 

and  happy  be  always. 

3  Thy  wife  fhall  as  a  fruitful  vine, 

by  thy  houfe-fides  be  found: 
Thy  children  like  to  olive-plants, 
about  thy  table  round. 

4  Behold,  the  man  that  fears  the  Lord, 

thus  bleffed  fhall  he  be. 

5  The  Lord  (hall  out  of  Zion  give 

his  bleffing  unto  thee; 
Thou  fhalt  Jerus'lem's  good  behold 
whilft  thou  on  earth  doft  dwell. 

6  Thou  fhalt  thy  childrens  children  fee, 

and  peace  on  Ifrael. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXXIX. 

This  pfalm  relates  to  the  pnblick  concerns  of  Goo's  Ifrael  :  if 
is  not  certain  when  it  was  penned,  probably  when  they 
were  in  captivity  in  B.ibylon,  or  about  the  time  of  their  re- 
turn, (i.)  They  look  back  with  thankfulnefs  for  the  for- 
mer deliverances  Gori  had  wrought  for  them,  and  th 
thers,  out  of  many  oifhefRsthty  ftacl  been  in  from  time  to 
time,   vtr:i   I. — *.  with "ajbcliev- 

prayer  for,  znd   •:  ion  of  all  the 

..  ies  of  .Zion,   vtrf.  J.  S.     In  find   g    this   j  "aim,  we 

may 


PSALM    CXXIX.       353 

may  apply  it  both  ways  to  the  gofpel  Ifrael,  which,  like  thC 
Old  Teftament  Ifrael,  has  weathered  many  a  ftorm,  and  is 
ftill  threatened  by  many  enemies. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

OFT  did  they  vex  me  from  my  youth, 
may  Ifr'el  now  declare: 

2  Oft  did  they  vex  me  from  my  youth : 

yet  not  victorious  were. 

3  The  plowers  plow'd  upon  my  back: 

•  they  long  their  furrows  drew. 

4  The  righteous  Lord  did  cut  the  cords 

of  the  ungodly  crew. 

5  Let  Zion's  haters  all  be  turn'd 

back  with  confufion. 

6  As  grafs  on  houfes  tops  be  they, 

which  fades  ere  it  be  grown: 

7  Whereof  enough  to  fill  his  hand 

the  mower  cannot  find; 
Nor  can  the  man  his  bofom  fill, 
whofe  work  is  (heaves  to  bind. 

8  Neither  fay  they  who  do  go  by, 

God's  bleffing  on  you  reft : 
We,  in  the  name  of  God  the  Lord, 
do  wifh  you  to  be  bleft. 

PSALM    CXXX. 

This  pfalm  relates  not  to  any  temporal  concern,  either  per- 
gonal or  public,  but  it  is  wholly  taken  up  in  the  affairs  of 
the  foul.  It  is  reckoned  one  of  the  feven  penitential  pfalms, 
which  have  fometimes  been  made  ufc  of  by  penitents  upon 
their  admifTion  into  the  church  ;  and  in  fingingit,  we  are 
all  concerned  to  apply  it  to  ourfelves,  the  pfalmift  here 
Z  cxprcfleth 


54       PSALM    CXXX. 

e::p:-:f!kh,  (i.)  His  dcfire  towards  God,  verf.  I.  2.  (z.) 
His  repehtance  Ixfo/c  God,  verf.  3.  4.  (3.)  His  attend- 
ance upon  God,  verf.  5.  6.  (4.)  His  expectations  from  God, 
verf.  7.  8.  And  as  in  water  face  anfwers  to  face,  ib  doth 
the  heart  of  one  humble  penitent  to  another. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

Ord  from  the  depths  to  thee  I  cry'd. 
2  My  voice,  Lord,  do  thou  hear : 
Unto  my  {applications  voice, 
give' an  attentive  ear, 
3Lord,\vho£hallftand,  if  thou,  OLord, 
fhouldft  mark  iniquity? 

4  But  yet  with  thee  forgivenefs  is; 

that  fear'd  thou  mayeft  be. 

5  I  wait  for  God,  my  foul  doth  wait, 

my  hope  is  in  his  word,     (watch, 

6  More  than  they  that  for  morning 

my  foul  waits  for  the  Lord : 
I  fay,  more  than  they  that  do  watch 
the  morning-light  to  fee. 

7  Let  Ifrael  hope  in  the  Lord : 

for  with  him  mercies  be> 
And  plenteous  redemption 
is  ever  found  with  him. 

8  And  from  all  his  iniquities 

he  Ifr'el  fhall  redeem. 

PSALM    CXXXL 

This  pfalm  is  David's  profeflion  of  humility;  but  humbly 
made  with  thankfulnefs  to  God,  for  his  grace,  and  not  in 
vainglory.  It  is  probable  enough,  that  (as  mofl  interpre- 
ters fugged)  David  made  this  proteftatiou  in  anfwer  to  the 

calumnies 


PSALM    CXXXI.       Ms 

calumnies  of  Saul  and  his  courtiers,  who  reprefented  David 
as  an  ambitious,  afpiringman,  who,  under  a  pretence  of  a 
divine  appointment,  fought  the  kir  :  of  his 

heart.     Bu:  be  appeals  to  God,  that,  on  the  contrary 
He  aimed  at  nothing  h'.  .   verf.   i       (2.)   He  was 

Very   ea(y  id  ev<  .  ted  him, 

verf.  2.  And  therefore,    3  )   Ke  enConraj  id  peo- 

ple totrult  in  God,  as  he  did,  verf.  3.  Some  have  made  it 
an  objection  againlt  finging  I  at  there  arc 

many  who  c  •'    &c. 

It  is  tiue  there  are;   but  we  may  !  I    e  fame  pur- 

pofe  that  we  read  it,  to  teach  a-.-.d  admonilh  ourfelres,  and 
one  another  to  he,  with  repentance  that  we 

have  come  fbort  of  being  (b,  ar.d  humble  prayer  to  God  for 
his  grace  to  make  u=  fo. 

A  (bng  of  degrees  of  David. 

MY  heart  not  haughty  is,  O  Lord, 
mine  eyes  not  lofty  be : 
Nor  do  I  deal  in  matters  great, 
or  things  too  high  for  me. 

2  I  furely  have  myfelf  behav'd 

with  quiet  fp'rit  and  mild, 
As  child  of  mother  wean'd :  my  foul 
is  like  a  weaned  child. 

3  Upon  the  Lord  let  all  the  hope 

of  Ifrael  rely, 
Ev'n  from  the  time  that  prefent  is 
unto  eternity, 

PS  A  L  M    CXXXIL 

It  is  probable,  this  pialrn  was  penned  by  Solomon  to  be  fung 
at  the  dedication  of  the  temple,  which  he  built  according 
to  the  charge  his  father  gave  him,  I  Chron.  xxviii.  2.  &c. 
Having  fulfilled  his  trait,  he  begs  of  God  to  own  what  he 
had  done.  (1.)  He  had  built  this  houfe  for  the  honour  and 
fervice  of  God  ;  and  when  he  brings  the  ark  into  it,  the 
token  of  God's  prefence,  he  defires  God  himfelf  would  come 
and  take  poiTcflion  of  it,  verf.  8.  9.  10.  With  thefe  words 
Z  %  Solomon 


3S6      PSALM    CXXXII. 

Solomon  concluded  his  prayer,  2  Cbron.  vi.  41.  43.  (2.) 
He  had  built  it  in  pursuance  of  the  orders  he  had  received 
from  his  father;  and  therefore  his  pleas  to  enforce  thefe  pe- 
titions, refer  to  David.  I.  He  pleads  David's  piety  to- 
wards God,  verf.  I. — 7.  a.  He  pleads  God's  promife  to 
David,  verf.  II.  18.  The  former  introduceth  his  petition, 
the  latter  follows  it  as  an  anfwer  to  it.  In  finging  this  pfalm, 
we  mull  have  a  concern  for  the  gofpel-church,  as  the  temple 
of  God,  and  a  dependence  upon  Chrift,  as  David  our  king, 
in  whom  the  mercies  of  God  are  fure  mercies. 

A  fong  of  degrees. 

DAVID,  and  his  affliaions  all, 
Lord,  do  thou  think  upon : 

2  How  unto  God  he  fware,  and  vow'd 

to  Jacob's  mighty  One, 

3  I  will  not  come  within  my  houfe, 

nor  reft  in  bed  at  all : 

4  Nor  fhall    mine  eyes  take  any  fleep, 

nor  eye-lids  flumber  fhall, 

5  Till  for  the  Lord  a  place  I  find, 

where  he  may  make  abode ; 
A  place  of  habitation 

for  Jacob's  mighty  God. 

6  Lo,  at  the  place  of  Ephratah 

of  it  we  underftood : 
And  we  did  find  it  in  the  fields, 
and  city  of  the  wood. 

7  We'll  go  into  his  tabernacles, 

and  at  his  footftool  bow. 

8  Arife,  O  Lord,  into  thy  reft: 

th'  ark  of  thy  ftrength,  and  thou. 

90 


PSALM    CXXXII.       357 

9  O  let  thy  priefts  be  clothed,  Lord, 

with  truth  and  righteoufnefs : 
And  let  all  thofe  that  are  thy  faints 
fhout  loud  for  joyfulnefs. 

10  For  thine  own  fervant  David's  fake, 

do  not  deny  thy  grace, 
Nor  of  thine  own  anointed  One. 
turn  thou  away  the  face. 

1 1  The  Lord  in  truth  to  David  fware, 

he  will  not  turn  from  it, 
I  of  thy  body's  fruit  will  make 
upon  thy  throne  to  fit. 

12  My  covenant  if  thy  fons  will  keep, 

and  laws  to  them  made  known ; 
Their  children  then  fhall  alfo  fit 
for  ever  on  thy  throne. 

1 3  For  God  of  Zion  hath  made  choice : 

there  he  defires  to  dwell. 

14  This  is  my  reft:  here  ftill  I'll  ftay, 

for  I  do  like  it  wrell. 

15  Her  food  I'll  greatly  blefs :  her  poor 

with  bread  will  fatisfy. 

1 6  Her  priefts  I'll  clothe  with  health:  her 

fhall  fhout  forth  joyfully,    (faints 

17  And  there  will  I  make  David's  horn 

to  bud  forth  pleafantly : 
For  him  that  mine  anointed  is 
a  lamp  ordain'd  have  L 

18  As 


358      P  S  A  L  M    CXXXIL 

1 8  As  with  a  garment  I  will  clothe 
with  fhame  his  en'mies  all  : 
But  yet  the  crown  that  he  doth  wear, 
upon  him  flourifh  fhall, 

PSALM    CXXXIIL 

This  pfalm  is  a  brief  encomium  of  unity  and  brotherly  love, 
which,  if  we  did  not  fee  the  miferies  of  difcord  among  men, 
we  would  think  needlefs ;'  but  we  cannot  fay  too  much,  it 
were  well  enough  if  we  could  fay  enough,  to  perfuade  peo- 
ple to  live  together  in  peace.  The  conjecture  fome  make  is 
well  enough  of  the  kind,  that  David  penned  it  upon  occali- 
on  of  the  union  between  the  tribes,  when  they  all 
met  unanimoufly  to  make  him  king.  It  is  a  pfalm  of  gene- 
ral ufe  to  ail  focieties,  lefTer  and  larger,  civil  and  facred. 
Here  is,  (l.)  The  doctrine  Jail  down  of  the  happinefs  of  bro- 
therly love,  verf.  I,  (2.)  The  illustration  of  that  doctrine  in 
two  fimilicudes,  verf.  2.  3.  The  proof  of  it  in  a  good  reafon 
given  for  it,  verf.  3.  And  then  we  are  left  to  make  the  ap- 
plication, which  we  ought  to  do  in  fmging  of  it,  provoking 
ourfelves  and  one  another  to  holy  love.  The  contents  of 
this  pfalm  in  our  Bibles  is  fhort,  but  very  proper;  it  is  the 
benefit  of  the  communion  of  faint;*. 

A  fong  of  degrees  of  David. 

Ehold  how  good  a  thing  it  is, 
and  how  becoming  well, 
Together  fuch  as  brethren  are 
in  unity  to  dwell. 

2  Like  precious  ointment  on  the  head, 

that  down  the  beard  did  flow, 
Ev'n  Aaron's  beard,  and  to  the  fkirts 
did  of  his  garments  go. 

3  As  Hermon's  dew,  the  dew  that  doth 

on  Zion  hills  defcendj 

For 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXXIII.       359 

Fotthere  the  bleffing  God  commands, 

life  that  fhall  never  end. 

PSALM    CXXXIV. 

This  is  the  laft  of  the   fifteen  fongs 
. 
is  fitly  made  the  conelniion  of  them  :   for  the  defign  of  it  is 
to  Air  up  the  minifters  togo  on  with  thei:  night, 

re  over.    So^rc  m;.kc  this 

n  to  be  a    dialogue,     (i.)  In  the   twofiiii  veifes,   the 

tsor  Levites  that  fat  up  ai  ..tch  of 

>ufe  of  the  Lord,  are  called   opon  to  fpeud  their  time 

-  they  were  upon  the  guard,  net  in  idle  talk,  but  in  the 

a&s  of  devotion,    (z.)  In  the  laft  verfe,   they  that  were  thus 

I  upon  to praifc God,  pray  far  him  that  gave  them  the 

pried,  or  the  captain   of  the 

:   they   who  did  that  fervice  did  mutually 

r,   and  pray  for  one  another.      In  Tinging 

nuft  both   ftir  up  ourfelyes  to  give  glory  to 

God,  and  encourage  ourfclves  to  hope  for  mercy  and  grace 

from  him. 

A  firog  of  degrees. 

BEHOLD,  blefs  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye 
that  his  attendants  are, 
Ev'n  you  that  in  God's  temple  be, 
and  praife  him  nightly  there. 

2  Your  hands  within  God's  holy  place 

lift  up;   and  praife  his  name. 

3  From  Zion  hill  the  Lord  thee  blefs, 

that  heav'n  and  earth  did  frame. 

P  S  A  L  M     CXXXV. 

This  is  one  of  the  hallelujah-pfalms;  that  is  the  title  of  it, 
and  that  is  the  Amen  of  it,  both  its  Alpha  and  its  Om:ga, 
(i.)  It  begir.s  with  a  call  to  praife  God  particularly  a 

mts  of  the  Lord,  to  praife  him,  2s  in  the  fore- 
going piaim,  verf.  i.  2.  3.  (z.)  1  to  furniih  us 
with  matter  for  praife.  God  is  to  be  praifed,  I.  As  the 
God  of  Jacob,  vcif.  4.     a.   AstheGodof   gotis,  verf.  5. 

3.   As 


360     <P  S  A  L  M    CXXXV. 

3.  As  the  God  of  the  whole  world,  verf.  6.  7.  4.  As  a 
terrible  God  to  the  enemies  of  Ifrael,  verf.  8. — 11.  5.  As 
a  gracious  God  to  Ifrael,  both  in  what  he  had  done  for  them, 
and  what  he  would  do,  verf.  12.  13.  14.  6.  As  the  only 
living  God,  all  other  gods  being  vanity  and  a  lie,  verf.  15. 
18.  (3.)  It  concludes  with  another  exhortation  to  all  per- 
sons concerned  to  praife  God,  verf.  19.  20.  21.  In  fing- 
ing  this  pfalm,  our  hearts  muft  be  filled,  as  well  as  our 
mouths,  with  the  high  praifes  of  God. 

PRaife  ye  the  Lord,  the  Lord's  name 
his  fervants,  praife  ye  God.  (praife, 

2  Who  ftand  in  God's  houfe,in  the  courts 

of  our  God  make  abode. 

3  Praife  ye  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good, 

unto  him  praifes  fing : 
Sing  praifes  to  his  name,  becaufe 
it  is  a  pleafant  thrng. 

4  For  Jacob  to  himfelf  the  Lord 

did  choofe  of  his  good  pleafure, 
And  he  hath  chofen  Ifrael 
for  his  peculiar  treafure. 

5  Becaufe  I  know  alTuredly 

the  Lord  is  very  great, 
And  that  our  Lord  above  all  Gods 
in  glory  hath  his  feat. 

6  What  thing  foever  pleas'd  the  Lord. 

that  in  the  heav'n  did  he, 
And  in  the  earth,  the  feas,  and  all 
the  places  deep  that  be. 

7  He  from  the  ends  of  earth  doth  make 

the  vapours  to  afcend. 

With 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXXV.       361 

With  railli  he  lightnings  makes:  and 

doth  from  his  treafuresiend  (wind 

8  Egypt's  firft-born  from  man  to  beaft 

9  who  fmote.     Strange  tokens  he 

On  Pharaoh  and  his  iervants  fent, 
Egypt,  in  midft  of  thee. 

10  He  fmote  great  nations,  flew  great 

1 1  Sihon  of  Hefhbon  king,       (kings: 
And  Og  of  Bafhan,  and  to  nought 

did  Canaan's  kingdoms  bring: 

12  And  for  a  wealthy  heritage 

their  pleafant  land  he  gave, 
An  heritage  which  Iirael 

his  chofen  folk  ihould  have. 

13  Thy  name,   O  Lord,  fhall  ftill  en- 

and  thy  memorial  (dure 

With  honour  fhall  continu'd  be 
to  generations  all.  (judge 

14  For  why,  the   righteous  God  will 

his  people  righteoufly, 
Concerning  thofe  that  do  him  ferve 
himfelf  repent  wTill  he. 

15  The  idols  of  the  nations 

of  filver  are  and  gold, 
And  by  the  hands  of  men  is  made 
their  fafhion  and  mold. 

16  Mouths  have  they,  but  they  do  not 

eyes,  but  they  do  not  fee.  (fpeak; 

1 7  Ears 


362      PSALM    CXXXV. 

17  Ears  have  they,  but  hear  not:  and  in 

their  mouths  no  breathing  be. 

1 8  Their  makers  are  like  them :  fo  are 

all  that  on  them  rely. 

19  O  Ifr'el's  houfe,   blefs  God:   blefs 

O  Aaroiis  family.  (God, 

20  O  blefs  the  Lord,  of  Levi's  houfe 

ye  who  his  fervants  are; 
And  blefs  the  holy  name  of  God, 
all  ye  the  Lord  that  fear. 

2 1  And  bleifed  be  the  Lord  our  God 

from  Zion's  holy  hill, 
Who  dwelleth  at  Jerufalem. 
The  Lord,  O  praife  ye  ftill. 

PSALM    CXXXVL 

Thefcope  of  this  pfalm  is  the  fame  with  that  of  the  foregoing 
pfalm,  but  there  is  fomething  very  fmgular  in  the  compofure 
of  it  for  the  latter  half  of  each  verfe  is  the  fame  repeated 
throughout  the  pfalm,  *  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ,  ever,' 
and  yet  no  vain  repetition.  It  is  allowed,  that  fuch  burdens 
or  keepings,  as  we  call  them,  add  very  much  to  the  beauty 
of  a  fong,  and  help  to  make  it  moving  and  affecting  ;  nor 
can  any  verf.  contain  more  weighty  natter,  or  more  wor- 
thy to  be  thus  repeated  than  this,  that  '  God's  ■  mercy  en- 
dureth forever;'  and  the  repetition  of  it  here  twenty  fix 
times  intimates,  (1  )  That  God's  mercies  to  his  people  are 
thus  repeated  and  drawn,  as  it  were,  with  a  continuando  from 
the  beginning  to  the  end,  with  a  progrefs  and  advance  in  in- 
finitum. (2.)  That  in  every  particular  favour,  we  ought  to 
take  notice  of  the  mercy  of  God,  and  to  take  notice  of  it  as 
enduring  ftill,  the  fame  now  that  it  has  been,  and  enduring 
for  ever,  the  fame  always  that  it  is.  (3.)  That  the  ever- 
lasting continuance  of  the  mercy  of  God  is  very  much  his 
honour,  and  that  which  he  glories  in,  and  very  much  the 
faints  comfort,  and  that  which  they  glory  in  It  is  that 
which  therefore  our  hearts  ihouid  be  Cull  of  and  greatly  af- 
fected with,  10  as  that  the  molt  frequent  mention  of  it,   in- 

ftead 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXXVI.      363 

Read  of  cloying  us,  fln>i  because  it  will 

be  the  (object  o\  our  pr  This  mod  excel- 

lent   v  r  c\  cr/   U 

mago  I,  not  only  by 

the  k-epctiti  in  of  it  here,  but  by  the  fignal  tokens  of  divine 
accept  .    >f  it  both  in 

ime,  2  Chron.  v.  1  thefe  words, 

'  for  k  hi>  mercy  en  lureth  for  pas  filled  with 

a  cloud  :  an  J  in  Jehofhaphat's  time,  when  they  fang  thefe 
were!-  God  gave  them  ri&ory,  2  Chron.  xr.  21.  22.  which 
/hould  make  us  1  mercies  furedoth  ftili  en- 

,  dure  eternally.'  We  n.u  r  praife  God,  I  As  irreat  and  good 
in  himfelf,  verf.  1.  2.  3.  2  )  As  the  Creator  of  the  world, 
verf.  5 — ^.  (3.)  As  lfrael's  Go'd  and  Saviour,  verf.  10.  to 
22.     (4;  AsoarReAee  Astheereat 

Benefactor  of  the  whole  creation,  and  God  over  all  blefled 
forevermore,  verf.  25.  26. 

P  S  A  L  M    CXXXVI. 

Give  thanks  to  God,  for  good  is  he: 
for  mercy  hath  he  ever. 

2  Thanks  to  the  God  of  gods  give  ye: 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

3  Thanks  give  the  Lord  of  lords  unto: 

for  mercy  hath  he  ever. 
3  Who  only  wonders  great  can  do: 
for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

5  Who  by  his  wifdom   made  heav'ns 

for  mercy  hath  he  ever.       (high : 

6  Whoftretch'd  the  earth  above  the  fea : 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

7  To  him  that  made  the   great  lights 

for  mercy  hath  he  ever.      (fhine: 

8  The  fun  to  rule  till  day  decline: 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

9  The 


364      PSALM    CXXXVL 

9  The  moon  and  ftars  to  rule  by  night : 

for  mercy  hath  he  ever. 

10  Who  Egypt's  firft  born  kilPd  out- 

for  his  grace  faileth  never,  (right : 

1 1  And  Ifr'el  brought  from  Egypt  land : 
for  mercy  hath  he  ever,  (ftrong  hand : 

12  With  ftretch'd  out  arm,  and  with 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

13  By  whom  the  Red  fea  parted  was: 

for  mercy  hath  he  ever. 

14  And  through  its  midft  made  Ifr'el 

for  his  grace  faileth  never,   (pafs : 

1 5  But  Pharaoh  and  his  hoft  did  drown : 

for  mercy  hath  he  ever. 

1 6  Who  through  the  defert  led  his  own : 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

17  To  him  great  kings  who  overthrew: 

for  he  hath  mercy  ever. 

18  Yea,  famous  kings  in  battle  flew: 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

19  Ev'n  Sihon  king  of  Amorites: 

for  he  hath  mercy  ever. 

20  And  Og  the  king  of  Bafhanites : 

for  his  grace  faileth  never 

2 1  Their  land  in  heritage  to  have : 

(for  mercy  hath  he  ever.) 

22  His  fervant  Ifr'el  right  he  gave: 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

23  In 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXXVI.      36s 

23  In  our  lowftate  who  onus  thought: 

for  he  hath  mercy  ever. 

24  And   from  our  foes  our  freedom 
for  his  grace  faileth  never,  (wrought : 

25  Who  doth  all  flefh  with  food  relieve: 

for  he  hath  mercy  ever. 

26  Thanks  to  the  God  of  heaven  give : 

for  his  grace  faileth  never. 

Another  cf  the  fame. 

PRATSE  God,  for  he  is  kind, 
His  mercy  lafts  for  ay. 
Z  Give  thanks  with  heart  and  mind 
To  God  of  gods  alway : 
For  certainly 
His  mercies  dure 
Mod  firm  and  fure 
Eternally. 

3  The  Lord  of  Lords  praife  ye, 

Whole  mercies  (till  endure. 

4  Great  wonders  only  he 

Doth  work  by  his  great  pow'r: 
For  certainly,  &c. 

5  Which   God  omnipotent, 

By  might  and  uifdom  high, 
The  heav'n  and  firmament 
Did  frame,  as  we  may  fee : 
For  certainly,  &c. 

6  To  him   who  did  out-ftretch 

This  earth  fo  great  and  wide, 
Above  the  water  reach, 
Making  it  to  abide; 
For  certainly,  &c. 

7  Gre3t  lights  he  made  to  be, 

For  his  grace  laftcth  ay. 

8  Such  as  the  fun  we  fee, 

To  rule  the  lightfome  day: 
For  certainly,  &c. 

9  Alfo  the  moon  Jo  clear, 

Which  (hineth  in  our  fifeht, 
The  ftars  that  do  appear, 
To  guide  the  darkfome  night ; 
For  certainly,  &ct 

10  To 


2,66     P  S  A  L  M    CXXXVI. 

10  To  him  that  Egypt  f;rote, 

Who  did  his  meflage  fcorn: 
And  in  his  anger    hot 
Did  kill  all  their  Sift-born  : 
For  certainly,  &c. 

11  Thence  Ifr'el  out  he  brought : 

for  his  grace  lafteih   ever. 
IS  With  a  ftrong  hand  he  wrought, 
And  ftretcht-otitt  arm  deliver: 
For  certainly.  8zc. 

13  The  fea  he  cut  in  two; 

for  his  grace  lafteth   ft  ill. 

14  And  through  its  midft  to  go 

Made  his*  own   Jfrael : 
For  certainly,  ire* 

15  But  overwhelmed  and  loft 

Was  proud   king  Pharaoh, 
With  all  his  mighty  hoft, 
And  chariots  there  alfo: 
For  certainly,   &c. 

16  To  him   who  powerfully 

His  chofen  people  led, 
Ev'n   thiough   the  defert  dry, 
And  in  that  place  them  fed  2 
For  certainly,   &c. 

17  To  him  great  kings  who  fmotcj 

For  his  grace  hath  no  bound. 

18  Who  flew,  and  fpared  not 

Kings  famous  and  renown'd  % 
For  certainly,  &c. 
go  Sihon  th'  Amorites  kings 
/For  his  grace  lafteth  ever. 

20  Oi?  alf<>  who  did   reign 

The  land  of  Balkan  over: 
For  certainly,  &c. 

21  Tru-ir  land  by  lot  he  gave: 

Fo.r  his  grace  faileth  never. 

22  Thai    Ifr'el  might  it  have 

In  heritage  for  ever; 
For  certainly,  &c. 
21  Who  bath  remembered 
Us  in    our  low  eftate; 
24  And  us   delivered 

From  fees  which  did  us  hate: 
For  certainly,   &c. 
2$  Who  to  all  flefn  gives  food: 
For  his  grace  faileth  never. 
26  Give  thanks  to  God  mod:  good, 
The  God  of  heav'n  for  ever; 

For  certainly,  &c.  P  SA  L  M 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXXVIT.     367 

There  are  divers  p fa  1ms  which  ai*  thought  to  have  been  pen- 
ned in  the  latter  days  of  thejewifh  church,  when  prophecy 
was  near  expiring,  and  the 

rca(lv  '.up;   but  none  of  them  appears  To  plainly 

to  be  of  a  late   date,  as  this  here,  which  was  penned 
the  people  of  God  were  captives  in  Babylon,  ai 
faked  over  by  their  proud  opprcflbrs ;  pi  -as  to- 

wards   tne  latter  end  of  the::  for  now  the 

the   destruction   of    E:\:  on   apace,  verf.  8. 

which   would  be  their  .1:  It  is  a  mournful  pfalm,  a, 

lamentation  ;  and  the  Septuagiot  make  it  one  of  the  lamen- 
tations of  Jeremiah,  naming  him  fc  1  of  it.  Here, 
(i.)  The  melancholy  captives  cannot  enjoy  them 
verf.  1.  2.  (2.)  They  cannot  humour  their  proud  op- 
preflbrs,  verf.  3.  4.  (3.)  They  cannot  forget  Jernfalem, 
verf.  5.  6.  (4.)  They  cannot  forgive  £dom  and  Babylon, 
verf.  7.  8»  .  In  finging  this  pfalm,  we  mufl  be  much  af- 
fected with  the  concernments  of  the  church,  especially  that 
part  of  it  that  is  in  affliction,  hying  the  for  rows  of  ( 
people  near  our  hearts,  comforting  ourielves  in  the  pro- 
fpe<ft  of  the  deliverance  of  the  church,  and  the  ruin  of  its 
enemies  indue  time,  I  ut  carefully  avoiding  ail  perfonalani- 
mofities,  and  not  mixing  the  leaven  of  malice  with  our  Sa- 
crifices. 

BY  Babel's  ftreams  we  fat  and  wept. 
when  Zion  we  thought  on. 

2  In  midft  thereof  we  hang'd  our  harps 

the  willow -trees  upon. 

3  For  there  a  fong  required  they 

who  did  us  captive  bring; 
Our    fpoilers    call'd    for  mirth,  and 
A  fong  of  Zion  fing.  (faid, 

4  O  how  the  Lord's  fong  fhall  we  fing 

within  a  foreign  land  ? 

5  If  thee,  Jerus'lem,  I  forget. 

fkill  part  from  my  right  hand.,  v 

6  My  tongue  to  my  mouth's  roof  let 

if  I  do  thee  forget,  (cleave, 

Jerufalem, 


368     PSALM    CXXXVIL 

Jerufalem,  and  thee  above 
my  chief  joy  do  not  fet. 

7  Remember  Edom's  children,  Lord, 

who  in  jerus'lem's  day, 
Ev'n  unto  its  foundation 

Raze,  raze  it  quite,  did  fay. 

8  O  daughter  thou  of  Babylon, 

near  to  deftru£tion, 
Blefs'd  {hall  he  be  that  thee  rewards, 
as  thou  to  us  haft  done. 

9  Yea,  happy  furely  fhall  he  be, 

thy  tender  little  ones, 
Who  fhall  lay  hold  upon,  and  them 
fhall  dafh  againft  the  ftones. 

PSALM.     CXXXVIII. 

It  doth  not  appear,  nor  is  it  material  to  enquire,  upon  what 
occafion  David  penned  this  pfalm;  hut  in  it,  (i.)  He  looks 
back  with  thankfulnefs  upon  the  experiences  he  had  had  of 
God's  goodnefs  to  him,  verf.  i.  %.  3.  (2.)  He  looks  for- 
ward with  comfort,  in  hopes,  I.  That  others  would  go  on 
to  praife  God  like  him,  verf.  4.  5.  2.  That  God  would 
go  on  to  do  good  to  him,  verf.  6.  7.  8.  In  fmging  this 
pfalm,  we  mud,  in  like  manner,  devote  ourfelves  to  God's 
praife  and  glory,  and  repofe  ourfelves  in  his  power  and 
goodnefs. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

THEE  will  I  praife  with  all  my  heart, 
I  will  fing  praife  to  thee 
2  Before  the  gods :  and  worfhip  will 
toward  thy  fan&uary; 
Pll  praife  thy  name,  ev'n  for  thy  truth, 

and 


PSALM    CXXXVIII.     369 

and  kindnefs  of  thy  love: 
For  thou  thy  word  haft  magnify'd 
all  thy  great  name  above. 

3  Thou  didft  me  anfwer  in  the  day 

when  I  to  thee  did  cry  : 
And  thou    my    fainting  foul    with 
didft  ftrengthen  inwardly,  (ftrength 

4  All  kings  upon  the  earth  that  are, 

fhall  give  thee  praife,  O  Lord, 
When  as  they  from  thy  mouth  fhall 
thy  true  and  faithful  word,    (hear 

5  Yea,  in  the  righteous  ways  of  God 

withgladnefs  they  fhall  fing: 
For  great's  the  glory  of  the  Lord, 
who  doth  for  ever  reign. 

6  Though  God  be  high,  yet  he  refpe&s 

all  thofe  that  lowly  be; 
Whereas  the  proud  and  lofty  ones 
afar  off  knoweth  he. 

7  Though  I  in  midft  of  trouble  walk, 
I  life  from  thee  fhall  have ;  (thine  hand, 

'Gainft  my  foes  wrath  thou'lt  ftretch 
thy  right  hand  fhall  me  fave. 

8  Surely,  that  which  concerneth  me, 

the  Lord  will  perfect  make : 
Lord,  ftill  thy  mercy  lafts :    do  not 
thine  own  hands  works  forfake. 
A  a  PSALM 


370      PSALM    CXXXIX. 

Some  of  the  Jewifh  doctors  are  of  opinion,  that  this  is  the 
mofr.  excellent  of  all  the  pfalms  of  David ;  and  a  very  pious 
devout  meditation  it  is  upon  the  dpelrine  of  God's  omni- 
fcience,  which  we  (hould  therefore  have  our  hearts  fixed 
upon,  and  filled  with,  in  finging  this  pfalm.  (i.)  This  doc- 
trine is  here  altcrtedand  fully  laid  down,  verf.  I. — 6.  (a.) 
It  is  confirmed  by  two  arguments.  I.  God  is  every  where 
prefent,  therefore  he  knows  all,  verf.  7. — 12.  2.  He  made 
us,  therefore  he  knows  us,  verf.  13.  16.  (3.)  Some  infer- 
ences are  drawn  from  this  doctrine.  I.  It  may  fill  us  with 
pleafing  admiration  of  God,  verf.  17.  18.  2.  With  a  holy 
dread  and  deteftation  of  fin  and  finners,  verf  19.  22.  3, 
With  a  holy  fatisfaelion  in  our  own  integrity,  concerning 
which  we  may  appeal  to  God,  verf.  23.  24.  This  great 
and  felf  evident  truth,  that  God  knows  our  hearts,  and  the 
hearts  of  all  the  children  of  men,  if  we  did  but  mix  faith 
with  it,  and  ferioufly  confider  it,  and  apply  it,  would  have 
a  great  influence  upon  our  holinefs,  and  upon  our  comfort. 
To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

(known. 

OLord,  thou  haft  me  fearch'd,  and 
2  Thou  know'ft  my  fitting  down 
And  rifing  up ;  yea,  all  my  thoughts 
afar  to  thee  are  known. 

3  My  footfteps,  and  my  lying  down, 

thou  compafleft  always; 
Thou  alfo  mod  entirely  art 
acquaint  with  all  my  ways. 

4  For  in  my  tongue,  before  I  fpeak, 

not  any  word  can  be, 
But  altogether,  lo,  O  Lord, 
it  is  well  known  to  thee. 

5  Behind,  before,  thou  haft  befet, 

and  laid  on  me  thine  hand. 

6  Such  knowledge  is  too  ftrange  for  me : 

too  high  to  underftand. 

7  From 


P  S  A  L  M    CXXXIX.      371 

y  From  thy  fp'rit  whither  fhall  I  go? 
or  from  thy  prefence  fly  ? 

8  Afcendl  heav'n,  lo,  thou  art  there; 

there,  if  in  hell  I  lie. 

9  Take  I  the  morning's  wings,  and  dwell 

in  utmoft  parts  of  fea : 

10  Even  there,  Lord,  fhall  thy  hand  me 

thy  right  hand  hold  fhall  me.  (lead, 

11  If  I  do  fay,  that  darknefs  fhall 

me  cover  from  thy  fight : 
Then  furely  fhall  the  very  night 
about  me  be  as  light. 

1 2  Yea,  darknefs  hideth  not  from  thee ; 

but  night  doth  fhine  as  day : 
To  thee  the  darknefs  and  the  light 
are  both  alike  alway. 

13  For  thou  poffeffed  haft  my  reins: 

and  thou  haft  cover'd  me, 
When  I  within  my  mother's  womb 
inclofed  was  by  thee. 

14  Thee  will  I  praife,  for  fearfully 

and  ftrangely  made  I  am; 
Thy  works  are  marv'lous,  and  right 
my  foul  doth  know  the  fame,    (well 

15  My  fubftance  was  not  hid  from  thee, 

when  as  in  fecret  I 
Was  made ;  and  in  earth's  loweft  parts 
was  wrought  mod  curioufly. 

A  a  2  16  Thine 


372      PSALM    CXXXIX. 

1 6  Thine  eyes  my  fubftance  did  behold 

yet  being  unperfeft, 
And  in  the  volume  of  thy  book 

my  members  all  were  writ, 
Which  after  in  continuance 

were  fafhion'd  ev'ry  one, 
When  as  they  yet  all  fhapelefs  were, 

and  of  them  there  was  none. 

1 7  How  precious  alfo  are  thy  thoughts, 

0  gracious  God,  to  me ! 

And  in  their  fum  how  pafling  great 
and  numberlefs  they  be ! 

1 8  If  I  fhould  count  them,  than  the  fand 

they  more  in  number  be : 
What  time  foever  I  awake, 

1  ever  am  with  thee. 

1 9  Thou,  Lord,  wilt  lure  the  wicked  flap 

hence  from  me,  bloody  men. 

20  Thy  foes  againft  thee  loudly  fpeak, 

and  take  thy  name  in  vain. 

2 1  Do  not  I  hate  all  thofe,  O  Lord, 

that  hatred  bear  to  thee  ? 
With  thofe  that  up  againft  thee  rife 
can  I  but  grieved  be? 

22  With  perfect  hatred  them  I  hate: 

my  foes  I  them  do  hold,     (heart : 

23  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my 

try  me,  my  thoughts  unfold. 

24  And 


PSALM    CXXXIX.       373 

24  And  fee  if  any  wicked  way- 
there  be  at  all  in  me. 
And  in  thine  everlafting  way 
to  me  a  leader  be. 

PSALM    CXL. 

This  and  the  four  following  pialms  are  much  of  a  piece,  and 
the  lcope  of  them  the  fame  with  many  that  we  met  with  in 
the  beginning  and  middle  cf  the  book  of  Pialms,  but  few 
of  late.  They  were  penned  by  David  (as  it  fhould  feem) 
when  he  was  perfecuted  by  Saul;  one  of  them  is  laid  to  be 
his  prayer  when  he  was  in  the  cave,  and  it  is  probable  all 
the  reft  were  penned  about  the  fame  time.  In  this  pfalm, 
(I.)  David  complains  of  the  malice  of  his  enemies,  and 
prays  to  God  to  prcferve  him  from  them,  verf.  I. — 5.  (a.) 
Heencourageth  himfelf  in  God,  as  his  God,  verf.  6.  7.  (3.) 
He  prays  for,  and  prophefies  thedeftruclion  of  his  perfecu- 
tors,  verf.  8.— II.  (4.)  He  aflures  all  God's  articled  peo- 
ple that  their  trobles  would  in  due  time  end  well,  verf.  12- 
13.  with  which  afTurence  we  mull  comfort  ourfelves  and 
one  another  in  finging  this  pfa.'m. 

To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 

ORD,  from  the  ill  and  froward  man 
X— i     give  me  deliverance: 
And  do  thou  fafe  preferve  me  from 
the  man  of  violence. 

2  Who  in  their  heart  mifchievous  things 

are  meditating  ever; 
And  they  for  war  aflembled  are 
continually  together. 

3  Much  like  unto  a  ferpent's  tongue 

their  tongues  they  fharpdo  make: 
And  underneath  their  lips  there  lies 
the  poilbn  of  a  fnake. 

4  Lord) 


374         PSALM    CXL. 

4  Lord,keep  me  from  the  wicked's  hands 

from  violent  men  me  fave, 
Who  utterly  to  overthrow 
my  goings,  purposed  have. 

5  The  proud  for  me  a  fnare  have  hid, 

and  cords,  yea,  they  a  net 
Have  by  the  way-fide  for  me  fpread : 
they  grins  for  me  have  fet. 

6  I  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art 

my  God :  unto  the  cry 
Of  all  my  fupplications, 
Lord,  do  thine  ear  apply. 
y  O  God  the  Lord,  who  art  the  ftrength 
of  my  falvation ; 
A  cov'ring  in  the  day  of  war 
my  head  thou  haft  put  on. 
B  Unto  the  wicked  man,  O  Lord, 
his  wifhes  do  not  grant, 
Nor  further  thou  his  ill  device, 
left  they  themfelves  fhould  vaunt. 
g  As  for  the  head  and  chief  of  thofe 
about  that  compafs  me, 
Ev'n  by  the  mifchief  of  their  lips 
let  thou  them  covered  be. 
io  Let  burning  coals  upon  them  fall, 
them  throw  in  fierv  flame: 
And  in  deep  pits,  that  they  no  more 
may  rife  out  of  the  fame. 

ii  Let 


PSALM    CXL.  375 

1 1  Let  not  an  evil  fpeaker  be 

on  earth  eftablifhed: 
Mifchief  fhall  hunt  the  violent  man 
till  he  be  ruined, 

1 2  I  know  God  will  th'  afflieted's  caufe 

maintain,  and  poor  mens  right. 

13  Surely  the  juft  fhall  praife  thy  name, 

th'  upright  dwell  in  thy  fight. 

PSALM    CXLL 

David  was  in  diftrefs  when  he  penned  this  pfalm  ;  it  is  moft 
Jikely  purfued  by  Saul,  that  violent  man.  Is  any  diftreiT- 
ed  :  let  him  pray;  David  didfo,  and  had  the  comfort  of  it. 
(1.)  He  prays  for  God's  favourable  acceptance,  verf.  1.  2. 
(2.)  For  his  powerful  afliftance,  verf.  3.  4.  (3.)  That 
others  might  be  inftrumental  of  good  to  his  foul,  as  he  ho- 
ped to  be  to  the  fouls  of  others,  verf.  5.  6.  (4.)  That  he 
.and  his  friends  being  now  brought  to  the  laft  extremity, 
God  would  gracioufly  appear  tor  their  relief  and  refcue, 
verf.  7. — 10.  The  mercy  and  grace  of  God  are  as  uecefla- 
ry  to  us  as  they  were  to  him,  and  therefore  we  fhould  be 
humbly  earned  for  them  in  figging  this  pfalm. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

OLord,  I  unto  thee  do  cry, 
do  thou  make  hafte  to  me ; 
And  give  an  ear  unto  my  voice, 
when  I  cry  unto  thee. 

2  As  incenfe  let  my  prayer  be 

directed  in  thine  eyes; 
And  the  uplifting  of  my  hands 
as  th'  ev'ning  facrifice. 

3  Set,  Lord,  a  watch  before  my  mouth, 

keep  of  my  lips  the  door. 

4  My 


376        PSALM    CXLL 

4  My  heart  incline  thou  not  unto 

the  ills  I  fhould  abhor. 
To  pradtife  wicked  works  with  men 

that  work  iniquity: 
And  with  their  delicates  my  tafte 

let  me  not  fatisfy. 

5  Let  him  that  righteous  is  me  fmite, 

it  fhall  a  kindnefs  be; 
Let  him  reprove,  I  fhall  it  count 

a  precious  oil  to  me : 
Such  fmiting  fhall  not  break  my  head; 

for  yet  the  time  fhall  fall, 
When  I  in  their  calamities 

to  God  pray  for  them  fhall. 

6  When  as  their  judges  down  fhall  be 

in  ftony  places  caft, 
Then  fhall  they  hear  my  words,  for 
fhall  fweet  be  to  their  tafte,  (they 

7  About  the  grave's  devouring  mouth 

our  bones  are  fcatter'd  round, 
As  wood  which  men  do  cut  and  cleave, 
lies  fcatter'd  on  the  ground. 

8  But  unto  thee,  O  God  the  Lord, 

mine  eyes  uplifted  be : 
My  foul  do  not  leave  deftitute, 
my  truft  is  fet  on  thee. 

9  Lord,  keep  me  fafely  from  the  fnare 

which  they  for  me  prepare, 

And 


PSALM    CXLI.  377 

And  from  the  fubtile  grins  of  them 
that  wicked  workers  are. 
io  Let  workers  of  iniquity 
into  their  own  nets  fall. 
Whilft  I  do  by  thine  help  efcape 
the  danger  of  them  all. 

PSALM    CXLII. 

This  pfalm  is  a  prayer,  the  fubfhnce  of  which  David  offered 
up  to  God,  when  he  was  forced  by  Saul  to  take  ftielter  in 
a  cave,  and  afterwards  penned  it  in  this  form.  Here  is, 
(l.)  The  complaint  he  makes  to  God,  verf.  1.2. ;  of  the 
fubtlety,  (trength,  and  malice  of  his  enemies,  verf.  3.  6.; 
and  the  coldneis  and  indifferency  of  his  friends,  verf.  4. 
(a.)  The  comfort  lve  takes  in  God,  that  he  knew  his  cafe, 
verf.  3. ;  and  was  his  refuge,  verf.  5.  His  expectation  from 
God,  that  he  would  hear  and  deliver  him,  verf.  6.  7.  (4.) 
His  expectation  from  the  righteous,  that  they  would  jciu 
with  him  in  praifes,  verf.  7.  Thofe  that  are  troubled  in 
mind,  body  or  eftate,  may  in  fmging  this  pfalm,  (if  they 
fing  it  in  fome  meafure  with  David's  fpirit)  both  warrant 
his  complaints,  and  fetch  his  comforts. 

Mafchil  of  David,  A  prayer  when  he  was  in  the  cave. 

IWith  my  voice  cry'd  to  the  Lord, 
with  it  made  my  requeft : 

2  Pour'd  out  to  him  my  plaint,  to  him 

my  trouble  I  expreft.  ^(fp'rit^ 

3  When  in  me  was  o'erwhelm'd  my 

then  well  thou  knew'ft  my  way : 
Where  I  did  walk  a  fnare  for  me 
they  privily  did  lay. 
4llook'donmy  right  hand,  and  view'd, 
but  none  to  know  me  were; 

All 


378       PSALM    CXLII. 

All  refuge  failed  me :  no  man 
did  for  my  foul  take  care. 

5  I  cry'd  to  thee,  I  faid,  Thou  art 

my  refuge,  Lord,  alone, 
And  in  the  land  of  thofe  that  live 
Thou  art  my  portion. 

6  Becaufe  I  am  brought  very  low,  j 

attend  unto  my  cry : 
Me  from  my  perfecutors  fave, 
who  ftronger  are  than  I. 

7  From  prifon  bring  my  foul,  that  I 

thy  name  may  glorify: 
The  juft  fhallcompafs  me,  when  thou 
with  me  deaPft  bounteoufly. 

PALM    CXL1II. 

This  pfalm,  as  thofe  before,  is  a  prayer,  and  full  of  complaints 
of  the  great  diftrefs  and  danger  he  was  in,    probably  when 
Saul  perfeeuted  him.     Ke  did  not  only  pray  it  that  afflic- 
tion, but  he  prayed  very  muchj  and  very  often,  not  the  fame 
over  again,  but  new  thoughts.     In  this  pfalm,  (i.)  He  com- 
plains of  his  troubles,  through  the  opprellion  of  his  enemies, 
verf.  3.  and  the  weaknefs  of  his  fpirit  under  it,    which  was 
ready  to  fink  notwith (landing  the  likely  courfe  he  took  to 
iupport  himfelf,  verf.  4.  5.     (a.)  He  prays,  and  prays  ear- 
neftly,  verf.  6.  I.  That  God  would  hear  him,  verf.  1.  7. 
2,  That  he  would  not  deal  with  him  according  to  his  (ins, 
verf.  2.     3.  That  he  would  not  hide  his   face  from    him, 
verf  7.  but  rnanifeft  his  favour  to  him,  verf  3.     4.  That 
he  would  guide  and  dire<ft  him  in  the  way  of  his  duty,  verf. 
8.  9.  10.  and  quicken  him  in   it,  verf.  II.     5.  That  he 
would  deliver  him  out  of  his  troubles,  verf  9.  10.  ir.     6, 
That  he  would   in  due  time  reckon   with    his  perfecutors, 
verf  iz.     We  may  the  eafier  accommodate  this  pfaim   to 
ourfelves  in  the  (inging  of  it,  becaufe  moft  of  the  petitions 
in  it  are  for  fpiritual  bleillngs,  which  we  all  need  at  all  times, 
mercy  and  grace. 

A  pfalm 


P  S  A  L  M    CXLTII.        379 

A  pfaliu  of  David. 

LORD,  hear  my  pray'r,  attend  my 
and    in  thy  faithfulnefs     (fuits: 
Give  thou  an  anfwer  unto  me, 
and  in  thy  righteoufnefs. 

2  Thy  fervant  alfo  bring  thou  not 

in  judgment  to  be  try'd: 
Becaufe  no  living  man  can  be 
in  thy  fight  juftify'd. 

3  For  th'  en'my  hath  purfu'd  my  foul, 

my  life  to  ground  down  tread. 
In  darknefs  he  hath  made  me  dwell, 
as  who  have  long  been  dead. 

4  My  fp'rit  is  therefore  overwhelmed 

in  me  perplexedly: 
Within  me  is  my  very  heart 
amazed  wondroufly. 

5  I  call  to  mind  the  days  of  old, 

to  meditate  I  ufe 
On  all  thy  works :  upon  the  deeds 
I  of  thy  hands  do  mufe. 

6  My  hands  to  thee  I  ftretch :  my  foul 

thirds,  as  dry  land,  for  thee. 

7  Hafte,  Lord,  to  hear,  my  fpirit  fails: 

hide  not  thy  face  from  me, 
Left  like  to  them  I  do  become 
that  go  down  to  the  duft. 

8  At 


38o      PSALM    CXLIIL 

8  At  morn  let  me  thy  kindnef6  hear. 

for  in  thee  do  I  truft : 
Teach  me  the  way  that  Ifhould  walk, 
I  lift  my  foul  to  thee. 

9  Lord,  free  me  from  my  foes :  I  flee 

to  thee  to  cover  me. 

10  Becaufe  thou  art  my  God,  to  do 

thy  will  do  me  inftru£t: 
Thy  fp'rit  is  good,  me  to  the  land 
of  uprightnefs  condudt. 

1 1  Revive  and  quicken  me,  O  Lord, 

ev'n  for  thine  own  name's  fake: 
And  do  thou  for  thy  righteoufnefs, 
my  foul  from  trouble  take. 

12  And  of  thy  mercy  flay  my  foes, 

let  all  deftroyed  be 
That  do  afflidt  my  foul :  for  I 
a  fervant  am  to  thee. 

Another  of  the  fame. 

OH,  hear,  my  pray'r,  Lord, 
And  unto  my  defire 
To  bow  thine  ear  accord, 
I  humbly  thee  require; 
And  in  thy  faithfulnefs 
Unto  roe  anfwer  make, 
And  in  thy  righteoufnefs 
Upon  me  pity  take. 
%  In  judgment  enter  not 
With   me  thy  fervant  poor; 
For  why,  this  well  I  wot, 
No  finner  can   endure 
The  fight  of  thee,  O  God, 
If  thon  his  deeds  fhalt  try, 
He  dars  make  none  abode 
Hirofcli  to  juftify. 

3  Behold, 


PSALM    CXLIII.        381 

3  Behold,  the  cruel  foe 
Me  perfecutes  with  fpite, 
My  foul  to  overthrow  : 
Yea,  he  my  life  down  quite 
Unto  the  ground  hath  imote, 
And  made  me  dwell  full  low 
In  darknefs,  as  forgot, 

Or  men  dead  long  ago. 

4  Therefore,  my  fp'rit  much  vex'd 
O'erwhelm'd  is  me  within  : 

My  heart  right  fore  perplex'd, 
And  defolate  hath  been, 

5  Yet  I  do  call  to  mind, 
What  ancient  days  record, 
Thy  works  of  ev'ry  kind, 
I  think  upon,  O  Lord. 

6  Lo,  I  do  ftrctch   my  hands 
To  thee  my  help  alone, 
For  thou  well  understands 
All  my  complaint  and  moan: 
My  thirfting  foul  defires 
And  longeth  after  thee, 

As  thirfty  ground  requires 
With  rain  refrefh'd  to  be. 

7  Lord,  let  my  pray'r  prevail, 
To  anfwer  it  make  fpeed, 
For  lo,  my  fp'rit  doth   fail; 
Hide  not  thy  face  in  need, 
Left  I  be  like  to  tfiofe, 
That  do  in  darknefs  lit, 

Or  him  that  downward  goes 
Into  the  dreadful  pit. 

8  Becaufc  I  truft  in  thee, 

0  Lord,  caufe  me  to  hear 
Thy  loving-kindnefs  ffrec, 
When  morning  doth  appear: 
Caufe  me  to  know  the  way 
Wherein  my  path  mould  be, 
For  why,  my  foul  on  high 

1  do  lift  up  to  thee. 

9  From  my  fierce  enemy 
In  fafety  do  me  guide; 
Becaule  I  flee  to  thee, 

Lord,  that  thou  may'ft  me  hide: 

10  My  God  alone  art  thou, 
Teach   me  thy  righteoufnefs: 
Thy  fp'rits  good,   lead  me  to 
The  land  of  uprightnefs. 

II  O 


382       PSALM    CXLIII. 

11  O  Lord,  for  thy  name's  lake, 
Be  pleas'd  to  quicken  me: 
And  for  thy  truth  forthtakc 
My  foal  from  mifery. 

12  And  of  thy  grace  deftroy 
My  foes  and  put  to  fhame 
All  who  my  foul  annoy : 
For  I  thy  fervant  am. 

PSALM    CXLV. 

The  four  preceding  pfalms  feem  to  have  been  penned  by 
David  before  accetfion  to  the  crown,  when  he  was  perfecuted 
by  Saul ;  this  feems  to  have  been  penned  after,  when  he  was 
ftill  in  trouble,  (for  there  is  no  condition  in  this  world  pri- 
vileged with  an  exemption  from  trouble),  the  neighbouring 
nations  molefling  him,  and  giving  him  disturbance,  efpeci- 
aliy  the  Philiftines,  2  Sam.  v.  17.  In  this  pfalm,  (1.)  He 
acknowledged,  with  triumph  and  thankfulneis,  the  great 
goodnefs  of  God  to  him,  in  advancing  him  to  the  govern- 
ment, verf.  f. — 4.  (2.)  He  prays  to  Gcd  to  help  him  againft 
the  enemies  that  threatened  him,  verf.  5. — 8.  and  again, 
▼erf.  II.  (3.)  He  rejoiceth  in  the  aiTurance  of  victory  over 
them,  verf.  9.  10.  (4.)  He  prays  for  the  profperity  of  his  own  - 
kingdom,  and  pleafeth  himfelf  with  the  hopes  of  it,  verf. 
12. — 15.  In  finging  this  pfaim,  we  may  give  God 
the  glory  of  our  fpiritual  privileges  and  advancements,  and 
fetch  in  help  from  him  againft  cur  fpiritual  enemies  :  may 
pray  for  the  profperity  of  our  fouls  of  our  families,  and  of 
our  land;  and,  in  the  opinion  of  fomeof  the  Jewifh  writers, 
may  refer  the  pfalm  to  the  Meffiah  and  his  kingdom. 

A  pfalm  of  David. 

Blefled  ever  be  the  Lord, 
who  is  my  ftrength  and  might, 
Who  doth  inftrudt  my  hands  to  war, 
my  fingers  teach  to  fight. 
2  My  goodnefs,  fortrefs,  my  hightow'r. 
deliverer,  and  fhield, 
In  whom  I  truft :  who  under  me 
my  people  makes  to  yield. 

3  Lord, 


PSALM    CXLIV.        38j 

3  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  of  him 

doft  fo  much  knowledge  take? 
Or  fon  of  man  that  thou  of  him 
fo  great  account  doft  make? 

4  Man  is  like  vanity :  his  days 

as  fhadows  pafs  away,   (touch  thou 

5  Lord,  bow  thy  heav'ns,  come  down  ; 

the  hills,  and  fmoke  fhall  they. 

6  Caft  forth  thy  lightnings,  fcatter  them : 

thine  arrows  fhoot,  them  rout. 

7  Thine  hand  fend  from  above,  me  fave, 

from  great  depths  draw  me  out; 
And  from  the  hand  of  children  ftrange : 

8  Whofe  mouth  fpeaks  vanity; 
And  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand 

that  works  deceitfully. 

9  A  new  fong  I  to  thee  will  fing, 

Lord,  on  a  pfaltery: 
I  on  a  ten-ftring'd  inftrument 
will  praifes  fing  to  thee. 
io  Ev'n  he  it  is,  that  unto  kings 
falvation  doth  fend : 
Who  his  own  fervant  David  doth 
from  hurtful  fword  defend. 
1 1    O   free  me  from  ftrange  childrens 
whofe  mouth  fpeaks  vanity,  (hands; 
And  their  right  hand  a  right  hand  is 
that  works  deceitfullv. 

12  That 


384        PSALM    CXLIV, 

1 2  That  as  the  plants  our  foils  may  be 

in  youth  grown  up  that  are ; 
Our  daughters  like  to  corner-ftones, 
carv'd  like  a  palace  fair : 

13  That,  to  afford  all  kind  of  ftore, 

our  garners  may  be  fill'd ; 
That  our  fheep  thoufands,  in  our  ftreets 
ten  thoufands  they  may  yield : 

14  That  ftrong  our  cxen  be  for  work; 

that  no  inbreaking  be, 
Nor  going  out;  and  that  our  ftreets 
may  from  complaints  be  free. 

15  Thofe  people  bleffed  are,  who  be 

in  fuch  a  cafe  as  this : 
Yea,  bleffed  all  thofe  people  are, 
whofe  God  Jehovah  is. 

PSALM    CXLV. 

The  five  foregoing  pfalms  were  all  of  a  piece,  all  full  of  pray= 
ers;  this,  and  the  five  that  follow  it  to  the  end  of  the  book, 
are  all  of  a  piece  too,  all  full  of  praifes;  and  though  this 
only  is  entitled  David's  pfalm,  yet  we  have  no  reafon  to 
think  but  that  they  were  all  his,  as  well  as  all  the  foregoing 
prayers.  And  it  is  obfervable,  (».)  That  after  five  pfalms 
of  prayer,  follow  fix  pfalms  of  praife ;  for  thofe  that  are 
much  in  prayer,  mail  not  want  matter  for  praife  :  and  thofe 
that  havefped  in  prayer,  muii abound  in  praife.  Our  thankf- 
givings  for  mercy,  when  we  have  received  it,  fhould  even 
exceed  our  fupplications  for  it,  when  we  are  in  purfuit  of  it. 
David  in  the  laft  of  hi*  begging  pfalms,  had  promifed  to 
praife  God,  Pfal.  cxliv.  9.  and  here  ne  performs  hispro- 
mifc.  (a.)  That  the  book  of  Pfalms  concludes  with  pfalms 
cf  praife,  all  praife;  for  praife  is  the  conclufion  of  the  whole 
matter,  it  is  that  in  which  all  the  pfalms  centre.  And  it 
intimates,  that  God's  people,  towards  the  end  of  their  life, 
ftiould  abound  much  in  praise,  and  the  rather  becaufe  at  the 

end 


PSALM    CXLV.         385 

end  of  their  life  they  hope  to  remove  to  the  world  of  ever- 
lafting  praife;  and  the  nearer  they  come  to  heaven,  the 
more  they  tbould  acculrom  themfelves  to  the  work  of  heav- 
en, This  is  cm  •  ,  !ms  which  are eompofed  alpha- 
betically, as  P.al.  xxv.  and  .  that  it  might  be 
the  eaficr  committed  to  memory,  and  kept  in  mind.  The 
Jewifh  writers  juftly  extol  this  pfalm  as  a  flarof  the  firft 
magnitude  in  this  bright  conilellation  ;  and  fome  of  them 
have  an  extra-  g  concerning  it,  not  much  unlike 
fome  of  the  Pupim  fupcrftitions,  That  whofcever  will  Ting 
this  pfalm  confnmtly  three  times  a  day,  fhall  certainly  be 
happy  in  the  world  to  come.  In  this  pialm,  I.  David  en- 
gageth  himfclf  and  others  to  praife  God,  vcrf.  1.  2.  4 — .7. 
10.  11.  12.  2.  He  faltciis  upon  thofc  tilings  that  are  pro- 
per matter  for  praife  :  God's  greatnefs,  verf.  3. ;  hi?  good- 
nefs,  verf.  8.  9.;  the  prools  of  both  in  the  adminiftration 
of  his  kingdom,  verf.  13.;  the  kingdom1  of  providence, 
verf.  14.  15.  16.;  the  kingdom  of  grace,  verf.  17. — 20.; 
and  then  he  concludes  with  a  refolution  to  continue  praifing 
God,  verf.  21.;  with  which  refolution  our  hearts  muft  be 
filled  and  fixed  in  finging  this  pialm. 

David's  pfalm  of  praife. 1 

I'LL  thee  extol,  my  God,  O  King, 
I'll  blefs  thy  name  always. 

2  Thee  will  I  blefs  each  day,  and  will 

thy  name  for  ever  praife. 

3  Great  is  the  Lord,  much  to  beprais'd : 

his  greatnefs  fearch  exceeds. 

4  Race  unto  race  fhall  praife  thy  works, 

and  fhow  thy  mighty  deeds. 

5  I  of  thy  glorious  majefty 

the  honour  will  record, 
I'll  {peak  of  all  thy  mighty  works, 
which  wondrous  are,  O  Lord, 

6  Men  of  thine  ads  the  might  fhall  fhow, 

thine  adls  that  dreadful  are 

B  b  And 


386       PSALM    CXLV. 

And  I,  thy  glory  to  advance 
thy  greatnefs  will  declare. 

7  The  mem'ry  of  thy  goodnefs  great 

they  largely  fhall  exprefs, 
With  fongs  of  praife  they  fhall  extol 
thy  perfed  righteoufhefs. 

8  The  Lord  is  very  gracious, 

in  him  compaffions  flow; 
In  mercy  he  is  very  great, 
and  is  to  anger  flow. 

9  The  Lord  Jehovah  unto  all 

his  goodnefs  doth  declare : 
And  over  all  his  other  works 

his  tender  mercies  are.         (Lord, 
io  Thee  all  thy  works  fhall  praife,  O 
and  thee  thy  faints  fhall  blefs. 

1 1  They  fhall  thy  kingdom's  glory  fhow 

thy  pow'r  by  fpeech  exprefs. 

1 2  To  make  the  fons  of  men  to  know 

his  a£ts  done  mightily, 
And  of  his  kingdom  th'  excellent 
and  glorious  majefty. 

1 3  Thy  kingdom  fhall  for  ever  ftand, 

thy  reign  through  ages  all. 

1 4  God  raifeth  all  that  are  bow'd  down, 

upholdeth  all  that  fall 

15  The  eyes  of  all  things  wait  on  thee, 

the  giver  of  all  good, 

And 


PSALM    CXLV.        387 

And  thou  in  time  convenient 
beftows  on  them  their  food. 

1 6  Thine  hand  thou  open'ft  lib'rally, 

and  of  thy  bounty  gives 
Enough  to  fatisfy  the  need 
of  ev'ry  thing  that  lives. 

17  The  Lord  is  juft  in  all  his  ways, 

holy  in  his  works  all. 

18  God's  near  to  all  that  call  on  him, 

in  truth  that  on  him  call. 

19  He  will  accomplifh  the  defire 

of  thofe  that  do  him  fear  : 
He  alfo  will  deliver  them, 
and  he  their  cry  wrill  hear. 
2  o  The  Lord  preferves  all  who  him  love, 

that  nought  can  them  annoy : 
]  But  he  all  thofe  that  wicked  are 

will  utterly  deftroy. 
2 1  My  mouth  the  praifes  of  the  Lord 
to  publifh  ceafe  fhall  never: 
Let  all  flefh.  blefs  his  holy  name 
For  ever  and  ever. 

Another  of  thefamc. 

OLord,  that  arc  my  God  and  King, 
The  will  I   magnify  and  praiie, 

I  will  thee  blefs,  and  gladly  fing 

Unto  thy  holy  name  always, 
a  Each  day  I  rife,  I  will  thee  blefs, 

And  praife  thy  name  time  without  end* 
3.  Much  to  be  prais'd,  and  great  God  is, 

His  greatnefs  none  can  comprehend. 
4  Race  fhall  thy  works  praiie  unto  race, 
-    The  mighty  afts  fhow  done  by  thee, 


388 


PSALM    CXLV, 


5  I  will  fpeak  of  thy  glorious  grace, 
And  honour  of  thy  majefty, 

Thy  wondrous  works  I   will  record. 

6  By  men  the  might  fhall  be  extoll'd 
,    Of  all  thy  dreadful  arts,  O  Lord  *. 

And  I  thy  greatnefs  will  unfold. 

7  They  utter  ihall  abundantly 

The  mem'ry  of  thy  goodnefs  great. 
And  (hall  fmg  praifes  cheerfully, 
Whilft  they  thy  righteonfnefs  relate. 

8  The  Lord  our  God  is  gracious, 
Companionate  is  he  alfo, 

In  mercy  he  is  plenteous, 

But  unto  wrath  and  anger  flow. 

9  Good  unto  all  men  is  the  Lord  % 
O'er  all  his  works  his  mercy  is. 

10  Thy  works  all  praife  to  thee  afford, 
Thy  faints,  O  Lord,  thy  name  (hall  blefs., 

11  The  glory  of  thy  kingdom  fhow 
Shall  they,  and  of  thy  power  tell. 

12  That  fo  mens  fons  his  deeds  may  know3 
His  kingdom's  grace  that  doth  excel. 

13  Thy  kingdom  hath  no  end  at  all, 
It  doth  through  ages  all  remain. 

14  The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall, 
The  call:  down  raifeth  up  again. 

15  The  eyes  of  all  things,  Lord,  attend, 
And  on  thee  wait,  that  here  do  live; 
And  thou  in  feafon  due  doft  fend 
Sufficient  food  them  to  relieve. 

56  Yea,  thou  thine  hand  doft  open  widcy 
And  ev'ry  thing  doft  fatisfy 
That  lives,  and  doth  on  earth  abide, 
Of  thy  great  liberality. 

17  The  Lord  is  juft  in  his  ways  all, 
And  holy  in  his  works  each  one. 

18  He's  near  to  all  that  on  him  call, 
Who  call  in  truth  on  him  alone. 

19  God  will  the  juft  defire  fulfil 

Of  fuch  as  do  him  fear  and  dread: 

Their  cry  regard,  and  hear  he  willy 

And  fave  them  in  the  time  of  need. 
30  The  Lord  preferves  all,  more  and  lef», 

That  bear  to  him  a  loving  heart : 

But  workers  all  of  wickednefs. 

Deftroy  will  he,  and  clean  fubvert. 
%\  Therefore  my  mouth  and  lips  I'll  frame 

To  fpeak  the  praifes  of  the  Lord  5 

To  magnify  his  holy  name 

For  ever  let  all  flelh  accord,  This 


PSALM    CXLVI.        389 

This,  and  all  tlie  reft  of  the  pfalms  that  follow,  begin  and 
end  with  Hallelujah,  a  word  which  puts  much  of  God's 
praifeintoa  little  compafs  ;  for  in  it  we  praife  him  by  his 
name  Jah,  the  contraction  of  Jehovah.  In  this  excellent 
pialm  of  praife,  (i.;  The  pfalmilt  engagcth  himielfto  praife 
God,  verf.  I.  2.  (2.)  He  engageth  others  to  truft  in  him, 
which  is  one  neceiTary  anil  acceptable  way  of  prailing  him. 
And,  1.  He  ("hews  why  we  fhculd  not  trull  in  men,  verf.  3, 
4.  2.  Why  wc  mould  truft  in  God,  verf.  5.  becaufe  of  his 
power  in  the  kingdom  of  nature,  verf.  6.  his  dominion  in 
the  kingdom  of  providence,  verf.  7.  and  his  grace  in  the 
kingdom  of  the  Mefliah,  verf.  8.  9.  that  eve;  lading  king- 
dom, verf.  10.  to  which  many  of  the  Jewiih  writers  refer 
this  pfalm,  and  to  which  therefore  we  ihoulJ  have  an  eye  in 
the  fingingof  it. 

PRaife  God.  The  Lord  praife,  O  my 
2  I'll  praife  God  while  I  live:  (foul. 
While  I  have  being,  to  my  God 
in  fongs  I'll  praifes  give. 

3  Truft  not  in  princes,  nor  man's  fon, 

in  whom  there  is  no  ftay. 

4  His  breath  departs,  to's  earth  he  turns : 

that  day  his  thoughts  decay. 

5  O  happy  is  that  man,  and  blefs'd, 

whom  Jacob's  God  doth  aid, 
Whofe  hope  upon  the  Lord  doth  reft, 
and  on  his  God  is  ftaid : 

6  Who  made  the  earth, and  heavens  high, 

who  made  the  fwelling  deep, 
And  all  that  is  within  the  fame : 
who  truth  doth  ever  keep : 

7  Who  righteous  judgment  executes 

for  thofe  oppreiVd  that  be. 

Who 


390       PSALM    CXLVI. 

Who  to  the  hungry  giveth  food : 
God  fets  the  pris'ners  free. 

8  The  Lord  doth  give  the  blind  their 

the  bowed-down  doth  raife :  ( fight: 
The  Lord  doth  dearly  love  all  thofe 
that  walk  in  upright  ways. 

9  The   ftranger's  fhield,  the  widow's 

the  orphan's  help  is  he:         (ftay 
But  yet  by  him  the  wicked's  way 
turn'd  upfide  down  fhall  be. 

10  The  Lord  fhall  reign  for  evermore, 

thy  God,  O  Zion,  he 
Reigns  to  all  generations. 
Praife  to  the  Lord  give  ye, 
PSALM    CXLVII. 

This  is  another  pfalm  of  praife;  fome  think  it  was  penned  af- 
ter the  return  of  the  Jews  from  their  captivity  ;  but  it  is  Co 
much  of  a  piece  with  Pfal.  cxlv.  that  I  rather  think  it  was 
penned  by  David,  and  what  isfaid,  verf.  2.  13.  may  well 
enough  be  applied  to  the  firfl  building  and  fortifying  of  Je- 
rufalem  iD  his  time,  and  the  gathering  in  of  thofe  that  had 
been  outcaftsin  Saul's  time.  The  Septuagint  divide  it  into 
two,  and  we  may  divide  it  into  the  firftand  fecond  part,  but 
both  of  the  fame  import.  (1.)  We  are  called  upon  to  praife 
God,  verf.  1.  7.  12.  (2,)  We  are  fumilhed  with  matter  for 
praiie,  for  God  is  to  be  glorified,  I.  As  the  god  of  nature,  and'fo 
he  is  very  great,  verf.  4.  5.  8.  9.  15. — 18.  2.  As  the  God 
of  grace  comforting  his  people,  veri.  3.  6.— II.  3.  As  the 
God  of  Ifrael,  Jerufalem,  and  Zion,  fettling  their  civil  ftate, 
verf.  a.  13.  14.  and  efpecially  fettling  religion  among  them, 
verf.  19.  20.  It  is  eafy,  in  finging  this  pfalm,  to  apply  it 
to  ourfelves,  both  as  to  perfonaland  national  mercies,  were 
it  but  as  eafy  to  do  it  with  fuitabie  affections. 

Raife  ye  the  Lord :  for  it  is  good 
praife  to  our  God  to  fingj 

For 


p 


PSALM    CXLVIL       391 

For  it  is  pleafant,  and  to  praife 
it  is  a  comely  thing. 

2  God  doth  build  up  Jerufalem : 

and  he  it  is  alone 
That  the  difpers'd  of  Ifrael 
doth  gather  into  one. 

3  Thofe  that  are  broken  in  their  hearts, 

and  grieved  in  their  minds, 
He  healeth,  and  their  painful  wounds 
he  tenderly  up-binds. 

4  He  counts  the  number  of  the  ftars : 

he  names  them  ev'ry  one. 

5  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  of  great  pow'r : 

his  wifdom  fearch  can  none. 

6  The  Lord  lifts  up  the  meek,  and  cafts  - 

the  wicked  to  the  ground. 

7  Sing  to  the  Lord,  and  give  him  thanks : 

on  harp  his  praifes  found; 

8  Who  covereth  the  heav'n  with  clouds, 

who  for  the  earth  below 
Prepareth  rain,  who  maketh  grafs 
upon  the  mountains  grow. 

9  He  gives  the  beaft  his  food,  he  feeds 

the  ravens  young  that  cry. 

10  His  pleafure  not  in  horfe's  ftrength, 

nor  in  man's  legs,  doth  lie. 

1 1  But  in  all  thole  that  do  him  fear 

the  Lord  doth  pleafure  take, 

In 


392       PSALM    CXLVII, 

In  thofe  that  to  his  mercy  do 
by  hope  themfelves  betake. 

1 2  The  Lord  praife,  O  Jerufalem : 

Zion,  thy  God  confefs. 

1 3  For  thy  gates  bars  he  maketh  ftrong : 

thy  fons  in  thee  doth  blefs. 

14  He  in  thy  borders  maketh  peace, 

with  fine  wheat  filleth  thee. 

1 5  He  fends  forth  his  command  on  earth; 

his  word  runs  fpeedily. 

16  Hoar  froft,  like  afhes,  fcatt'reth  he: 

like  wool  he  fnow  doth  give. 

17  Like  morfels  caftech,  forth  his  ice: 

who  in  its  cold  can  live? 

1 8  He  fendeth  forth  his  mighty  word, 

and  melteth  them  again : 
His  wind  he  makes  to  blow,  and  then 
the  waters  flow  amain. 

19  The  do&rine  of  his  holy  word 

to  Jacob  he  doth  fhow, 
His  ftatutes  and  his  judgments  he 
gives  Ifrael  to  know. 

20  To  any  nation  never  he 

fuch  favour  did  afford : 
For  they  his  judgments    have    not 
O  do  ye  praiie  the  Lord,  (known, 
P  S  A  L  M    CXLVIII. 

This  pfalm  is  a  mod  folemn  and  earned:  call  to  all    the  crea- 
tures, according  to  their  capacity,  to  praife  their  Creator, 

and 


P  S  A  L  M    CXLVIII. 


393 


and  to  (hew  forth  Ms  eternal   pow< 
viribl?  things  of  which  are  mai 
feen  :  and  thereby  the  nfalnvi; 
affection  to  the  duty  of   praife  ; 

God  is  praifed,  is  very  dc  , 

and  therefore  doth  ail    be  can 

tli is  pleafant  work,   yea  II  come  aftei 

uhofe    hearts    muft  he  rery  dead  and   c<  I 
raifed  and  enlarged  in  praifing  God  by   tl 
divine  poetry,  which   we  find  in  this  pfi 
upon  the  higher  bottle,  the  creatui    s  thai  in  the 

upper  world,  to  praifethe  Lord,   both  trw  :  intel- 

lectual beings,   and  a;e  cap  able  of  ■  rerf.  I. 

2.  and  tbofc  that  are  not,  and  are  therefoi  >f  doing 

it  only  objectively,  verf.   5. — 6.      (I  spoil    the 

lower  houfe,  the  creatui  Id,  both  thofe 

that   can  only  ninifter  matter  or  praii  f    7  — - 

thofe  that  being  endued  with  r  capable  of  ol 

up  this  facriflce,  verf.  II. — 13.  efpecially  his  own  people, 
who  have  more  caufe  to  do  it,  and  are  more  concerned  to  do 
it,  than  any  other,  verf.  14. 


PRaife  God.  From  heavens  praife  the 
in  heights  praife  to  him  be.  (Lord: 

2  All  ye  his  angels,   praife  ye  him: 

his  hofts  all,  praife  him  ye. 

3  Opiaifeyehim,  both  fun  and  moon: 

praife  him,    all  ftars  of  light. 
4Yeheav'nsofheav'ns,  him  praife,  and 
above  the  heavens  height,  (floods 

5  Let  all  the  creatures  praife  the  name 

of  our  almighty  Lord: 
For  he  commanded,  and  they  were 
created  by  his  word. 

6  He  alfo,  for  all  times  to  come, 

hath  them  eftablifh'd  fure : 

He 


394     PSALM    CXLVIII. 

He  hath  appointed  them  a  law, 
which  ever  fhall  endure. 

7  Praife  ye  Jehovah  from  the  earth, 

dragons,  and  ev'ry  deep. 

8  Fire,  hail,  fnow,  vapour,  ftormy  wind, 

his  word  that  fully  keep. 

9  All  hills  and  mountains,  fruitful  trees, 

and  all  ye  cedars  high. 
ioBeafts  and  all  cattle,  creeping  things, 
and  all  ye  birds  that  fly. 

1 1  Kings  of  the  earth,  all  nations ; 

princes,  earth's  judges  all. 

1 2  Both  young  men,  yea,  and  maidens 

old  men,  and  children  fmall.  (too, 

1 3  Let  them  God's  name  praife :  for  his 

alone  is  excellent,  (name 

His  glory  reacheth  far  above 
the  earth  and  firmament. 

14  His  people's  horn,  the  praife  of  all 

his  faints,  exalteth  he: 
Ev'n  Ifr'ePs  feed,  a  people  near 
to  him.     The  Lord  praife  ye. 

Another  of  the  fame, 

THE  Lord  of  heav'n  confefs, 
On  high  his  glory  raife. 
a  Him  let  all  angels  blefs, 
Him  all  his  armies  praife. 

3  Him  glorify, 

Sun,  moon,  and  ftars: 

4  Ye  higher  fpheres, 
And  cloudy  iky. 

5  From 


PSALM    CXLVIII.      395 

5  From  God  your  beings  arc, 
Him  therefore  famous  make: 
You  all  created  were, 

When  he  the  word  but  fpake. 

6  And  from   that  place, 
Where  fix'd  you  be 
By  his  decree, 

You  cannot  pafs. 

7  Praife  God  from  earth  below, 
Ye  dragons,  and  ye  deeps : 

8  Fire,  hail,  clouds,  wind,  and  fnow, 
Whom  in  command  he  keeps, 

9  Praife  ye  his  name, 
Hills  great  and  fmall, 
Trees  low  and  tall : 

10  Beafts  wild  and  tame, 

All  things  that  creep  or  fly. 

11  Ye  kings,  ye  vulgar  throng, 
All  princes  mean  or  high. 

12  Both    men   and  virgins  young, 

Ev'n  young  and  old 

13  Exalt  his  name; 
Fcr  much  his  fame 
Should  be  extol'd. 

O  let  God's  name  be  praisM 
Above  both  earth  and  Iky: 

14  For  he  his  faints  hath   rais'd, 
And  fet  their  horn  on  high; 

Ev'n  thole  that  be 
Of  Ifr'el's  race 
Near  to  his  grace. 
The  Lord  praife  ye. 

PSALM.    CXLIX. 

The  foregoing  pfalm  was  a  hymn  of  praife  to  the  Creator; 
this  to  the  redeemer  :  it  is  a  pfalm  of  triumph  in  the  God  of 
Ifrael  and  over  the  enemies  of  Ifrael.  Probably  it  was  pen- 
ned upon  occafion  of  fome  victory  which  Ifrael  was  blefTed 
and  honoured  with.  Some  conjecture  trnt  it  was  penned 
when  David  had  taken  the  drong  hold  of  Zion,  and  fettled 
his  government  there  :  but  it  looks  further  to  the  king- 
dom of  the  median,  who,  in  the  chariot  of  the  eve»lalting 
gofpel,  goes  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer.  To  him,  and 
his  graces  and  glories,  we  mud  have  an  eye  in  finging  this 
pfalm,  which  fpeaks,  (i.)  Abundance  of  joy  to  all  the  peo- 
ple of  God,  verf.  I. — 5.  (%;)  Abundance  of  terror  to  the 
j^oudeft  of  their  enemts,  verf.  6. — 9. 

Praife 


396      PSALM    CXLIX. 

PRaife  ye  the  Lord:  unto  him  fing 
a  new  fong,  and  his  praife 
In  the  affembly  of  his  faints 
in  fweet  pfalms  do  ye  raife. 

2  Let  Ifr'el  in  his  Maker  joy, 

and  to  him  praifes  fing : 
Let  all  that  Zion's  children  are, 
be  joyful  in  their  King. 

3  O  let  them  unto  his  great  name 

give  praifes  in  the  dance: 
Let  them  with  timbrel  and  with  harp 
in  fongs  his  praife  advance. 

4  For  God  doth  pleafure  take  in  thofe 

that  his  own  people  be: 
And  he  with  his  falvation 
the  meek  will  beautify. 

5  And  in  his  glory  excellent 

let  all  his  faints  rejoice: 
Let  them  to  him  upon  their  beds 
aloud  lift  up  their  voice. 

6  Let  in  their  mouth  aloft  be  rais'd 

the  high  praife  of  the  Lord, 
And  let  them  have  in  their  right  hand 
a  fharp  two-edged  fword : 


7 


To  execute  the  vengeance  due 


ov 


upon  the  heathen  all, 
And  make  deferved  punifhment 
upon  the  people  fall  j 

8  And 


397       PSALM    CXLIX. 

8  And  ev'n  with  chains,  as  pris'ners 
their  kings  that  them  command,  (bind 
Yea,  and  with  iron  fetters  ftrong, 

the  nobles  of  their  land; 

9  On  them  the  judgment  to  perform 

found  written  in  his  word: 
This  honour  is  to  all  his  faints. 
O  do  ye  praife  the  Lord, 

PSALM    CL, 

The  firft:  and  laft  of  the  pfalms  have  both  the  fame  number  of 
▼erie-~,  are  both  fhort,  and  very  memorable;  but  the  fcupe 
of  them  is  very  different;  the  firft  pfalm  is  an  elaborate  in- 
ltruction  in  our  duty,  to  prepare  us  for  the  comforts  of  our 
devotion;  this  is  all  rapture  and  tranfport,  and  perhaps, 
was  penned  on  purpofe  to  be  the  conclufion  of  thole,  facred 
fongs,  to  (hew  what  is  the  defign  of  them  all,  and  that  is, 
to  aflifr.  us  in  praifing  God.  The  pfalmifl:  had  been  himfelf 
fu'l  of  the  praifes  of  God,  and  here  he  would  fain  fi'l  all  the 
world  with  them:  again  and  again  he  calls,  '  Praife  the 
1  Lord,  praire  him,  praife  him,'  no  lefs  than  thirteen  times 
in  thefe  fix  lhort  verles.  He  fhews,  (i.)  For  what,  and  upon 
whnt  account  God  is  to  be  praifed,  verf.  i.  i.  (2.)  How, 
and  with  what  exprefllons  of  Joy  God  is  to  be  praifed,  verf. 
3.  4.  5.  (3.)  Who  mud  praife  the  Lord  ;  it  is  every  one's 
bufineis,  verf.  6.  In  fmging  this  pfalm,  we  fhould  endeav- 
our to  get  our  hearts  much  affected  with  the  perfections  of 
God,  and  the  praifes  with  which  he  is  and  fnall  be  for  ever 
attended,  throughout  all  ages  world  without  end. 

PRaife   ye  the  Lord.  God's    praife 
his  fan&uary  raife:  (within 

And  to  him  in  the  firmament 
of  his  pow'r  give  ye  praife. 
2  Becaufe  of  all  his  mighty  ads, 
with  praife  him  magnify: 

O 


398  PSALM    CL. 

O  praife  him,  as  he  doth  excel 
in  glorious  majefty. 

3  Praife  him  with  trumpet's  found :  his 

with  pfaltery  advance.  (praife 

4  With  timbrel,  harp,   ftring'd  inftru- 

and  organs,  in  the  dance,  (ments, 

5  Praife   him  on    cymbals    loud:  him 

on  cymbals  founding  high,  (praife 

6  Let  each  thing    breathing  praife  the 

Praife  to  the  Lord  give  ye.  (Lord. 


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